TSA Wait Times Reach Record Highs Amid Funding Standoff

Wed Mar 25 2026 19:35:07 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Acting TSA Administrator highlights alarming rise in wait times and growing hardships for TSA employees during ongoing government shutdown.

Air travelers are facing unprecedented wait times at airports as the TSA grapples with significant staffing shortages due to the ongoing government shutdown. The acting head of the TSA, Ha Nguyen McNeill, warned Congress about the dire circumstances facing unpaid airport workers, who are resorting to extreme measures to make ends meet. Meanwhile, a potential compromise to resolve the funding standoff remains elusive, with both parties entrenched in their respective positions regarding immigration enforcement and departures from established practices.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Air travelers are experiencing the highest wait times ever under the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), according to the agency’s acting head, who addressed Congress on Wednesday. The alarming report comes amid an ongoing funding impasse that has intensified dissatisfaction over President Trump's immigration enforcement strategies.

Ha Nguyen McNeill highlighted that the TSA is grappling with unpaid airport workers facing mounting financial hardships, detailing instances of workers having to sell plasma and even sleep in their cars to manage their living expenses. This is a dire situation, she stated, urging lawmakers not to repeat such scenarios in the future.

On day 40 of the partial government shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), neither Republicans nor Democrats appear closer to a resolution. Recent negotiations have yielded a contentious proposal from Republican senators that fails to satisfy Democratic demands for comprehensive reforms in immigration enforcement.

While President Trump initially signaled support for the negotiation framework, he has subsequently refrained from committing fully, leaving the situation precarious for TSA workers and travelers alike. The report of increased distress during the shutdown includes claims from McNeill of a 500% rise in assaults on TSA agents.

One notable consequence has been the over 40% callout rate among TSA employees, leading to significant reductions in airport staffing and extended wait times for travelers at major airports. Notably, at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, some travelers are enduring waits of up to four hours.

As the standoff continues, critical programs, including FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund, are also reported to be at risk of depletion. With political tensions running high, the need for urgent action to resolve the deadlock has never been more pressing.