The partial government shutdown — affecting only the Department of Homeland Security — has left TSA officers working without pay for the third time in less than a year. Long security lines appeared at some major airports over the March 8-9 weekend, with TSA call-out rates climbing into double digits at airports including Houston's Hobby, where half the officers called out. These facts are confirmed by PBS, CBS News, Fox affiliate stations, the Washington Times, and AP.

The shutdown began February 14 after Democrats refused to fund DHS over objections to its immigration enforcement tactics. Republicans say Democrats are blocking routine government operations for political leverage.

The crisis has reignited the debate over privatizing airport security. Nearly two dozen U.S. airports — including San Francisco International, the nation's largest with private screening — use contractors under TSA oversight. Because their pay comes from pre-allocated federal contracts, private screeners continue working normally during shutdowns.

SFO spokesperson Doug Yakel told PBS that 'the money's already been allocated, the payments have already been made.' Aviation security expert Sheldon Jacobson said privatization 'is something that needs to be explored' at other large airports. Two GOP senators previously introduced the 'Abolish TSA Act' to phase out the agency entirely.

The American Federation of Government Employees opposes privatization, warning it could weaken accountability, reduce worker protections, and create inconsistent security standards. The U.S. Travel Association urged Congress to guarantee aviation worker pay regardless of shutdown status.