The TSA callout rate increased over the weekend as the partial shutdown continued
Staffing problems at the Transportation Security Administration escalated over the weekend after police officers missed their first paycheck due to a partial government shutdown, creating hours-long wait times for commuters as ringing calls increased operational concerns, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
As of Sunday, there were more than 111 incidents where the shortage threatened “operational integrity,” situations DHS describes as “hot spots.” Travelers across the country reported long TSA lines at airports, with some waiting an hour or two at security checkpoints.
Houston Hobby International Airport reached a 55% occupancy rate on Saturday, which DHS described as the highest since the department’s funding ended last month.
Acting TSA Administrator Adam Stahl told NBC News on Monday that some airports have been disproportionately affected, although there have been major problems across the United States.
“Austin this morning was very problematic… safety, of course, is not affected in terms of the safety program, but things will continue to get worse in terms of the impact of wait times,” Stahl said.
Houston, New Orleans and Atlanta are where the highest concentration of “hot spots” have occurred since the shutdown began, according to DHS. Wait times exceeded an hour at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Sunday, which serves as a hub for Delta Airlines and is considered one of the busiest airports in the country.
“These numbers show the severe operational difficulties caused by the shutdown, underscoring the urgent need for a resolution to restore stability, morale and safety at America’s airports,” DHS said in a statement. “TSA funding must be restored immediately.”
Democratic lawmakers have stalled Republican efforts to pass a new DHS funding bill after raising serious concerns about the embattled agency’s handling of immigration law. DHS funding expired on Feb. 13, and Democrats are insisting on reforming the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Act and the Customs and Border Protection Act before they approve a new spending bill.
Most TSA officers have received less pay in the past, but Friday was the first full payday that airport workers have missed. It’s the third pay check for DHS workers in six months, while they hit a record-long layoff last year, according to DHS.
“We don’t know what the results will be at the end of this shutdown,” said Stahl. “We don’t think it’s going to be good, especially after the summer, spring break, of course, and the World Cup. This is a recipe for a really, really bad situation.”
At least 366 TSA officers, considered essential employees, have left their jobs in the past month, DHS said. The department noted that it could take four to six months to train new officers, adding to TSA’s struggle to meet passenger demand.
Most officers make between $35,000 and $40,000, and some can’t afford gas costs to work during this time, Stahl said.
“They have to make the difficult decision to pay their grocery bills, pay for their child care, or come to work,” Stahl said.
TSA officer Anthony Riley, 58, told NBC News on Wednesday that he continued to work at Syracuse Hancock International Airport during the shutdown but that his family was at risk of homelessness.
The father of three is currently working with Legal Aid to avoid deportation and is working out a payment plan with his employer.
“This is the fourth week I’ve been working without pay and it’s killing me,” said Riley.
