WATCH: TSA call outs rise at certain airports across the U.S.
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The Bottom Line
TSA officers are calling out sick in elevated numbers at multiple airports after the government shutdown left them unpaid.
How This Affects You
Airport security lines could get longer and move slower during peak travel periods due to reduced TSA staffing capacity.
AI Summary
TSA officers across multiple U.S. airports are calling out in elevated numbers after the partial government shutdown resulted in unpaid paychecks last week. The Transportation Security Administration's workforce, which is essential for airport security screening, faced financial hardship when federal employees went without pay during the shutdown. High callout rates can reduce airport security capacity and create longer wait times for passengers during peak travel periods. The shutdown's impact on TSA staffing underscores the operational vulnerability of federal agencies that rely on continuous appropriations to function. The extent of the disruption varies by airport, with some facilities reporting more significant staffing shortages than others.
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