Another Schumer shutdown disaster.
Airports across the country could face partial shutdowns if the ongoing Department of Homeland Security funding lapse continues, a top Transportation Security Administration official warned Tuesday, as staffing shortages worsen and security lines surge nationwide.
“We’re fully stretched,” acting Deputy TSA Administrator Adam Stahl said, warning that “it’s not hyperbole” to suggest some airports — particularly smaller ones — may have to shut down if call-out rates continue to rise.
The warning comes as tens of thousands of TSA officers continue working without full pay following a partial DHS shutdown that began Feb. 14 amid a political standoff in Washington over immigration policy and funding.
Absentee rates have spiked dramatically, with roughly 10% of TSA screeners calling out of work in recent days — up from about 2% under normal conditions — straining operations at major hubs and regional airports alike.
The workforce is also shrinking. More than 300 TSA officers have quit since the shutdown began, citing financial strain as missed paychecks pile up.
The result: growing disruption for travelers.
Airports have warned passengers to arrive hours early as security lines stretch to two or even three hours in some locations, especially during peak spring travel season.
Some airports have even begun organizing food drives and small donation programs to support unpaid TSA workers, highlighting the mounting pressure on frontline staff.
Stahl said the system is nearing its limits.
“Frankly, there’s not much else we can do,” he said, noting that many officers “can’t afford to come in” as financial strain intensifies.
A Wall Street Journal op-ed posted this week placed blame for the shutdown solely at Chuck Schumer’s feet.
“As the lines at airport security get worse, frustrated travelers should know who’s to blame: Sen. Chuck Schumer. Democrats have refused to fund the Department of Homeland Security, producing a shutdown that has now dragged on for a month. TSA airport screeners are calling out of work, since they aren’t getting paid,” WSJ wrote.
🚨 HOLY SMOKES. A top TSA official just revealed they may need to SHUT DOWN multiple airports across the US because Chuck Schumer and the Senate Democrats have shut down DHS for weeks
"If this continues, it's NOT hyperbole to suggest we may have to literally shut down airports!"… pic.twitter.com/sCWvQjbNH2
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) March 17, 2026