Thousands of airport security officers across the United States are working without pay as the partial shutdown of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security continues. The funding lapse has left many federal workers struggling financially while millions of travelers continue passing through airport checkpoints during the busy spring travel season.

Among those affected are employees of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), who are responsible for screening passengers and luggage at airports nationwide.

TSA Officers Work Without Pay

Funding for the Department of Homeland Security expired on February 14, forcing many employees to continue working without compensation. According to federal officials, more than 100,000 DHS workers are affected by the shutdown.

That includes thousands of TSA officers stationed at airports such as Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, where security officer Johnny Jones says many of his colleagues are struggling to pay everyday expenses.

Jones also serves as secretary-treasurer of the American Federation of Government Employees Council 100, the union representing roughly 45,000 TSA officers nationwide. He says many employees live paycheck to paycheck and have limited savings to cover costs during the shutdown.

Some officers have reportedly taken on second jobs or called out sick because they cannot afford travel costs or childcare while working unpaid.

Long Lines Reported at Major Airports

The staffing shortage has contributed to longer security lines at several major airports. Travelers in cities such as Houston, Atlanta, New Orleans and Austin have experienced extended wait times at security checkpoints.

Airports like Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport, one of the busiest hubs in the country, have seen increased pressure on remaining staff as fewer officers report to work.

Despite the staffing challenges, travelers are still paying standard security fees included in airline tickets. These fees typically help fund TSA operations, though the money cannot be used to pay employees during a government shutdown unless Congress authorizes funding.

Political Dispute Over DHS Funding

The shutdown stems from a broader political standoff in Congress over funding for the Department of Homeland Security. Lawmakers from both parties have blamed each other for the stalemate.

Democratic lawmakers have said they will not approve a full funding bill unless changes are made to immigration enforcement policies following a controversial law enforcement incident. In response, Senate Democrats proposed temporary funding measures for certain DHS agencies.

However, Republicans blocked those proposals, arguing that the department should be funded through a broader budget agreement.

Workers and Travelers Caught in the Middle

As negotiations continue, federal employees and travelers remain caught in the middle of the dispute. For TSA officers, the financial strain is growing as the shutdown approaches a full month.

Many workers say they remain committed to maintaining airport security, even without pay, but warn that prolonged delays in funding could further disrupt airport operations during one of the busiest travel seasons of the year.

Until Congress reaches a funding agreement, TSA officers and other DHS employees will continue working without pay while essential services at U.S. airports remain operational.