TSA Funding During Government Shutdown

March 26 – March 27, 2026

Where Things Stand

The federal government is in the fifth week of a partial shutdown that has left Transportation Security Administration workers without pay since February 13, 2026. Senator Jacky Rosen introduced the TSA Pay Act of 2026 to provide back pay and health benefits to these employees while broader funding remains stalled in Congress. This bill aims to reduce airport security delays caused by high staff absences as workers struggle to pay their bills.

Key Statements

TThe Hill

“A partial government shutdown enters its fifth week, causing TSA officer callouts to exceed 11% and creating significant travel disruptions at Texas airports.”

This provides the specific data on staff shortages that explains why the shutdown is impacting travel.

NNewsweek

“President Trump directs DHS to pay TSA agents via executive order during a partial government shutdown while the Senate advances a bill to fund the department.”

This highlights the executive branch's attempt to resolve the pay issue while the legislative process continues.

Who This Affects

1 groups

Helps

Federal Employee

TSA employs roughly 60,000 workers — a small fraction of the ~2.1 million federal civilian workforce — who would be guaranteed continued pay and benefits during the government shutdown. Since TSA agents are essential workers required to report to duty during a lapse in appropriations, this bill would eliminate the financial stress of working without a paycheck, covering the period retroactively back to February 13, 2026.

Policies

S. 4127, the TSA Pay Act of 2026, serves as a targeted funding vehicle to protect airport security operations during the wider government shutdown. It is a follow-up to S. 4073 and seeks to bypass the larger budget deadlock by specifically addressing the pay and benefits of TSA employees who are currently required to work without a paycheck.

Sen. Rosen Pushes Bill to Pay TSA Workers During Ongoing Government Shutdown

S. 4127