TSA officer's message to lawmakers: "Pay us for what we do"

CBS News
March 19, 2026
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2 min read

Quick Insights

The Bottom Line

TSA workers missing paychecks due to Department of Homeland Security funding lapse; sick-outs creating airport delays.

How This Affects You

Airport security screening delays will worsen as TSA officers call out sick in response to unpaid paychecks, affecting millions of travelers.

AI Summary

TSA workers are missing paychecks as parts of the Department of Homeland Security remain unfunded during the current budget impasse. The agency's employees have begun calling out sick in response to the delayed compensation, creating operational strain at airports nationwide. Without resolution, the disruptions could compound during peak travel periods, potentially affecting millions of travelers. The situation underscores the broader budget standoff affecting federal agencies and the immediate cost to workers dependent on regular paychecks. TSA leadership and lawmakers face pressure to resolve the funding gap before employee absences significantly degrade security screening capacity.

What's Being Done

TSA leadership and lawmakers face pressure to resolve the funding gap before employee absences significantly degrade security screening capacity.

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