The government could shut down tonight if Congress doesn’t pass a new funding resolution, but it’s not likely to affect your holiday travel plans.
While the federal government plays a large role in the nation’s transportation system, especially when it comes to air travel, most of these jobs are considered essential even when there is a funding gap. That means the workers who screen you at airport security and clear your flight to take off will continue to go to work, although they won’t get paid until the financing issue is resolved. The agency also warns that a prolonged closure could lead to longer wait times at airport security.
“At the Transportation Security Administration, part of the Department of Homeland Security, 59,000 of the agency’s 62,000 employees are considered essential and would continue to work without pay in the event of a shutdown,” a TSA spokesperson told USA TODAY in a statement. to screen 40 million passengers during the holidays and through January 2. While our staff has prepared to handle large numbers of travelers and ensure safe travel, an extended closure could result in longer wait times at airports.”
During previous shutdowns, the impact on travel was minimal. In 2019, it took about two weeks without pay before FAA inspectors and TSA agents stopped showing up for work. At that point, lines began to pile up at security checkpoints and flights began to be delayed. Shortly afterwards, the government finally agreed to fund the legislation and put things back in order.
Zach Wichter is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in New York. You can reach him at zwicher@usatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: TSA does not expect major travel problems if the government closes its doors
