More than 400 TSA employees quit since shutdown began

More than 400 TSA officers have resigned since the federal government's partial shutdown began on February 14, according to the Department of Homeland Security. Acting DHS Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis attributed the spike in resignations and absences to the funding lapse, noting that TSA officers report financial hardship. The departures pose an operational risk to airport security screening, which depends on a stable workforce to process millions of daily passengers. TSA officers typically work without pay during shutdowns while awaiting back pay once funding resumes, but extended periods without income have historically driven experienced staff to seek other employment. The agency must now balance recruiting and retaining security personnel while operating under reduced budgets and uncertain funding timelines.