Airport security operations across the United States are approaching a breaking point as funding instability and a partial government shutdown continue to disrupt the system, Transportation Security Administration acting Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill told lawmakers on Wednesday.

Appearing before the House Homeland Security Committee, McNeill explained that the TSA has been operating without consistent funding for nearly half of fiscal year 2026. As a result, more than 61,000 employees — roughly 95 percent of the agency’s workforce — have been required to continue working without receiving pay.

During questioning, McNeill warned legislators that the agency is “being forced to consolidate,” signaling that smaller regional airports could face closure if conditions persist.

She disclosed that TSA has already accumulated close to $1 billion in unpaid wages, leaving many officers struggling to meet everyday financial obligations.

“We continue to screen millions of passengers a day, but our workforce is under severe financial and emotional stress,” McNeill said, describing reports of officers sleeping in their cars, taking multiple jobs, or relying on public donations to get by.

The ongoing funding gap is also having a clear impact on staffing levels.

Since February, approximately 460 TSA officers have left their positions, adding to more than 1,100 departures that occurred during last year’s shutdown.

At the same time, absenteeism has climbed sharply. Call-out rates nationwide have increased from 4 percent to 11 percent, with some airports reporting rates above 40 percent.

These staffing shortages are colliding with a rise in passenger traffic. Travel volume has grown by about 5 percent compared to last year’s spring break period, putting additional pressure on already strained screening operations.

McNeill noted that wait times at certain airports have stretched beyond four and a half hours, heightening the likelihood of missed flights and raising broader security concerns.

She cautioned that conditions could deteriorate further in the coming months, particularly with the FIFA World Cup scheduled for June, which is expected to drive a significant surge in travel demand.

Even if funding is restored in the near future, McNeill emphasized that newly hired officers would not be ready in time to assist during the event, as proper TSA training requires several months.

Her testimony highlighted the wider disruption affecting airports nationwide as the Department of Homeland Security funding dispute continues.

With frontline personnel going unpaid, increasing numbers of workers leaving their jobs, and travel demand reaching high levels, airports are experiencing growing delays, extended security lines, and operational challenges.

Airlines and airport officials have cautioned that if the uncertainty continues, both service quality and safety could decline further, especially during peak travel periods.

Although TSA screening is classified as essential infrastructure and continues even during shutdowns, employees are required to work without compensation under current conditions.

Members of Congress from both parties acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, though disagreements remain over how to resolve broader budget issues.

McNeill called on lawmakers to approve a full-year Department of Homeland Security funding measure without delay, warning that ongoing inaction could jeopardize both national security and the stability of air travel.

“The safety of the traveling public must not be compromised by budget uncertainty,” she said.

{Matzav.com}