TSA Officers Miss First Full Paycheck Amid One-Month US Government Shutdown

US airport security staff missed their first full paycheck Friday as a partial government shutdown neared the one-month mark, disrupting travel and straining the Transportation Security Administration workforce.

Thousands of TSA employees are working without pay at a critical time for spring travel, following a partial payment two weeks ago. Unions warn that the financial pressure is pushing staff to quit or seek other jobs.

President Donald Trump criticized Democrats, saying on Fox News Radio: “These are people that hate our country. These are people that have Trump Derangement Syndrome…Anything I say, they go the opposite.”

The Department of Homeland Security reports that more than 300 TSA employees have left since February 14, and unscheduled absences have doubled in some airports. Passengers are being advised to allow extra time for security screenings.

Union official Johnny Jones of AFGE said: “Numerous employees have reported to me that their bank accounts are at zero or negative. No funds for daycare, no funds for food. They just want to know why the hell they can’t get paid when we have money to shoot missiles into other countries.”

The shutdown is tied to disagreements over DHS funding. Democrats are demanding reforms for agencies like Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), while Republicans argue the demands are unacceptable.

DHS warned about long lines at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, calling the shutdown a “NIGHTMARE” for travelers. Senate Democratic Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said, “Six times Republicans came to the floor and blocked [funding bills]. TSA officers shouldn’t miss paychecks, disaster relief shouldn’t be left hanging, and Americans’ safety shouldn’t be collateral damage.”

Airports and travel groups caution that prolonged shutdown effects could worsen if more workers leave, further straining security operations nationwide.

Africans Angle News