The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) initially announced a temporary suspension of airport security screening programs due to the shutdown, but reversed course a day later after facing industry backlash.
On the 22nd, the DHS issued a statement stating that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Precheck program, a screening program designed to expedite security screening at U.S. airports, was operating normally. TSA Precheck allows pre-screened travelers to expedite security screening at U.S. airports. Currently, over 20 million people are enrolled in the program. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the previous day that it would temporarily suspend the TSA Precheck program at 6:00 a.m. today due to emergency staffing redeployment following the shutdown but faced strong opposition from the airline and travel industries. However, the Global Entry program, which expedites customs and immigration screening, remained suspended as previously announced.
The escort service for members of the U.S. Congress was also suspended.
The DHS stated, “If staffing constraints arise, TSA will evaluate and adjust operations on a case-by-case basis.” Congress previously failed to narrow differences over the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement policies and failed to pass the budget for the DHS, the lead agency, within the deadline.
Consequently, the DHS went into shutdown at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on the 14th.