Why aren’t TSA agents getting paid?

The U.S. Government is experiencing its second partial shutdown of 2026, this time affecting only the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees the Transportation Security Administration. TSA agents are not receiving paychecks because Congress failed to pass funding legislation specifically for DHS operations before the deadline. The targeted shutdown means airport security screeners, border patrol agents, and other homeland security personnel must continue working without immediate compensation while other federal agencies remain funded. This marks an unusual situation where only one major department faces a funding lapse rather than a government-wide shutdown. The disruption threatens airport operations and border security functions as essential workers face financial strain during the pay suspension.