- TSA issues could soon become more widespread with the government shutdown now in its fifth week, White House and aviation officials have warned.
- TSA agents have missed their first full paycheck, resulting in many not reporting for work and at least 366 quitting their jobs, causing severe staff shortages. Major airports, including Houston, Atlanta, and New Orleans, have been hit hardest with hours-long security lines and warnings for passengers to arrive at least three hours before their flights.
- With Congress set to break for recess at the end of next week, officials said the effects of the shutdown will likely spread to more airports if the matter isn’t resolved.
- “It is not yet widespread,” an anonymous aviation industry official told Politico. “Keep this thing going for another week or two, and there’s a real good chance it is going to be widespread.”
- A second source, a White House official, told the publication, “I’m extremely worried, not just short term but throughout the summer. World Cup and America250 could be crippled if this isn’t resolved asap.”
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