AFGE president tells lawmakers ‘do not get on a plane’ for Easter recess without paying TSA

The president of the American Federation of Government Employees union called on lawmakers Tuesday to resolve a partial government shutdown before leaving for Easter recess, warning them not to travel until TSA officers and other federal workers receive back pay. The shutdown has now stretched 39 days, leaving hundreds of thousands of government employees without paychecks while continuing to work or on furlough. The union leader's message directly pressures Congress to fund the government, using the Easter break as leverage to force action before lawmakers leave town. TSA officers have been working unpaid during the shutdown, raising operational and morale concerns at airports nationwide. The standoff reflects deepening frustration among federal workers and their representatives over the extended impasse in funding negotiations.