TSA Funding Deadline Threatens Travel Delays Ahead of Spring Break

There could be serious disruptions if the US Congress leaves on March 27 for a two-week recess without a deal to fund the Transportation Security Administration. 

Should that happen, TSA officers could miss a month of paychecks, and this could lead to more of them skipping work. 

Not only is this creating financial issues for the officers, but airport operations are also being impacted, and this is happening as spring break travel approaches. 

Find Stalemate Leaves Workers in Limbo

The funding dispute at hand involves disagreements within Congress and across the Department of Homeland Security as a whole, with one of the main focuses being immigration. There have been multiple proposed solutions, including bills to fund the TSA independently, but nothing has moved the needle. 

Because of this standoff, TSA officers have been affected, and many are struggling to pay everyday bills, such as rent, utilities, and more, according to The Wall Street Journal. 

“I don’t know how many people are actually going to be able to make it into work,” said Johnny Jones, secretary-treasurer for the American Federation of Government Employees TSA Council 100, which represents the officers.

Many of the employees are doing things such as driving for ride-hailing services, delivering groceries, and even selling plasma. Others, like an officer in Florida, per the Journal, are considering quitting altogether if a new deal isn't reached by the 27th because he's running out of money. 

Democrats are pushing legislation to fund DHS, excluding Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection, while Republicans want to fund all of it. 

Staffing Shortages Impacting Airport Operations

Since the funding has lapsed, hundreds of TSA officers have left. According to the Journal, absence rates have approached 40% at some airports. This is massively slowing down security checkpoints. This has resulted in longer wait times for travelers, even causing delays. 

Per law, TSA officers are unable to strike. There are also strict sick leave policies that make it difficult for them to take time off work without risking pay loss. For example, it used to be that workers didn't need a doctor's note until they missed three days; now it's required on Day 1. Without the note, they cannot get back pay for those days. 

Airports Trying to Help Out

As a result, some USA airports are taking steps to support employees. 

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport has established a food pantry, Orlando has encouraged people to donate to the food drive, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport officials are providing meal vouchers and covering parking costs. 

We'll see if a resolution can occur on or before March 27.