Major travel groups and airlines are pushing US lawmakers to reach a deal on government funding ahead of a partial shutdown, arguing it could lead to travel chaos during spring break. Several groups, including Airlines for America, stated that without a deal, the risk of unscheduled absences by Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers increases, potentially causing flight delays and longer wait times.
Travellers and the US economy cannot afford to have essential TSA personnel working without pay, they emphasized. A partial government shutdown is set to begin at midnight Saturday after lawmakers failed to agree on funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
In exchange for a funding deal, Democrats have been pushing for more restrictions on US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which are not significantly affected by the shutdown due to prior funding. The recent tension stemmed from two tragic incidents where federal agents were implicated in protests against immigration raids.
Consequently, the Democrats demanded reforms at DHS, including changes related to immigration agents' identification and warrant protocols. Previous attempts to pass funding bills were blocked by Senate Democrats, while Trump remarked on the uncertainty of reaching a funding deal, stressing the need to protect law enforcement.
The upcoming shutdown could affect various DHS agencies, including the Coast Guard and TSA, with financial implications for over 56,000 workers. However, the travel industry may fare slightly better than during last year’s historic shutdown due to preemptive funding for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Yet, TSA workers may face unpaid work leading to longer wait times at airports.
As Congress heads for a recess with the potential for a longer shutdown, travelers should brace for possible disruptions during the spring travel season.
Travellers and the US economy cannot afford to have essential TSA personnel working without pay, they emphasized. A partial government shutdown is set to begin at midnight Saturday after lawmakers failed to agree on funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
In exchange for a funding deal, Democrats have been pushing for more restrictions on US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which are not significantly affected by the shutdown due to prior funding. The recent tension stemmed from two tragic incidents where federal agents were implicated in protests against immigration raids.
Consequently, the Democrats demanded reforms at DHS, including changes related to immigration agents' identification and warrant protocols. Previous attempts to pass funding bills were blocked by Senate Democrats, while Trump remarked on the uncertainty of reaching a funding deal, stressing the need to protect law enforcement.
The upcoming shutdown could affect various DHS agencies, including the Coast Guard and TSA, with financial implications for over 56,000 workers. However, the travel industry may fare slightly better than during last year’s historic shutdown due to preemptive funding for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Yet, TSA workers may face unpaid work leading to longer wait times at airports.
As Congress heads for a recess with the potential for a longer shutdown, travelers should brace for possible disruptions during the spring travel season.
