The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said it was suspending the TSA PreCheck and Global Entry airport security programs as a partial government shutdown goes forward. These programs are supposed to help speed registered travelers through security lines.
On Sunday, February 22, “The Transportation Security Administration enters emergency operating status, resources are being consolidated to prioritize essential security operations and focus personnel on detecting and countering threats…Until funding is restored, all travelers should expect a process that does not sacrifice security,” an announcement from the Department of Homeland Security said.
“Shutdowns have real world consequences, not just for the men and women of DHS and their families who go without a paycheck, but it endangers our national security,” said Kristi Noem, Department of Homeland Security Secretary. “The American people depend on this department every day, and we are making tough but necessary workforce and resource decisions to mitigate the damage inflicted by these politicians. TSA and CBP are prioritizing the general traveling population at our airports and ports of entry and suspending courtesy and special privilege escorts. FEMA will halt all non-disaster related response to prioritize disasters. This is particularly important given this weekend another significant winter storm is forecast to impact the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast United States.”
Some officials said they were aware of the federal decision to temporarily suspend participation in the TSA PreCheck and Global Entry programs but had remained open on Sunday morning.
The Department of Homeland Security said later that day that T.S.A. PreCheck would remain available, hours after announcing that it would be suspended.
“At this time, TSA PreCheck remains operational with no change for the traveling public,” the Transportation Security Administration said in a statement on Sunday. “As staffing constraints arise, TSA will evaluate on a case by case basis and adjust operations accordingly,” the agency said. “Courtesy escorts, such as those for Members of Congress, have been suspended to allow officers to focus on the mission of securing America’s skies.”