The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is suspending programs that help speed up airport security and border processing, starting Sunday. This includes TSA PreCheck, which lets vetted travelers skip long security lines, and Global Entry, which offers quick passage for Americans arriving at U.S. ports.
DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin announced this suspension will take effect at 6 a.m. ET on Sunday. Secretary Kristi Noem criticized congressional Democrats for not providing the necessary funding, stating that the shutdown puts both Americans and DHS workers at risk. She emphasized the real-world consequences, highlighting that employees will go without pay during this time.
The funding shutdown began on February 14, amid negotiations in Congress over DHS operations, particularly concerning immigration enforcement after two people died during a federal crackdown in Minneapolis. Although employees from FEMA, TSA, and the Coast Guard are not being paid, they are still required to work because of the critical nature of their roles.
Interestingly, funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is still in place, thanks to a $75 billion budget approved last year during Donald Trump’s administration. Noem indicated that CBP and TSA will prioritize ordinary travelers, while FEMA will pause non-disaster assistance due to the funding interruption.
In light of these developments, there’s a heightened concern among travelers, especially with a major winter storm predicted for the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast U.S. this weekend. Many are turning to social media to express their frustrations and concerns about lengthy waits and the safety implications of reduced DHS operations.
As discussions continue in Congress, the implications for airport security and border processing will play a significant role in shaping travel experiences in the near future. This situation not only impacts travel safety but also raises questions about budget allocations and government priorities in times of crisis.
For more on DHS funding and its impact, you can refer to recent reports and analyses, such as those from The Washington Post for deeper insights.
