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Understanding TSA Funding Amidst Government Shutdown and Security Lines

KVIA•Monday, March 23, 2026 at 8:00 AM•CNN

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AI Summary

As the partial government shutdown continues, approximately 61,000 TSA employees are working without pay, causing concern for travelers facing long security lines at airports. The TSA's budget relies heavily on a passenger fee, known as the September 11 Security Fee, which is currently $5.60 per one-way ticket. However, a significant portion of the collected fees is diverted to reduce the federal budget deficit, leaving TSA operations underfunded. Experts argue that the funding issue is tied to broader political disputes in Congress, which has stalled negotiations on funding the Department of Homeland Security. Travelers are encouraged to stay informed about the situation, as it affects airport security and staff pay.

Key Details: • TSA employees are currently working without pay due to the government shutdown. • The September 11 Security Fee is $5.60 per one-way ticket, contributing to TSA funding. • Approximately $1.6 billion of the $4.6 billion collected in security fees in FY 2023 was diverted to deficit reduction. • Congress is currently in negotiations regarding the funding of the Department of Homeland Security.

travel funding tsa government-shutdown airport-security

People & Organizations

Department of Homeland SecurityDonald TrumpTransportation Security AdministrationUS Travel AssociationPatty MurrayErik HansenJohn PistoleUS airports

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