Homeland security reverses course on Tsa Precheck suspension
The Department of Homeland Security partially reversed an order Sunday morning that had suspended trusted-traveler screening programs, and the TSA said tsa precheck would remain operational even as Global Entry stayed paused. The moves follow a weekend decision tied to staffing shortages caused by a partial government shutdown that began on 14 February.
DHS reversal and the status of Tsa Precheck and Global Entry
Officials had announced a suspension of both TSA PreCheck and Global Entry on Saturday evening, citing the partial shutdown and a need to refocus personnel. Early Sunday, the Transportation Security Administration posted that "TSA PreCheck remains operational with no change for the traveling public" and added that "As staffing constraints arise, TSA will evaluate on a case by case basis and adjust operations accordingly. "
A DHS official said Global Entry would remain halted. The reversal on PreCheck was described as stemming from conversations the secretary had with the White House and TSA, and DHS had said the halt would begin Sunday morning to "refocus Department personnel on the majority of travelers. "
Industry leaders push back, citing short notice and travel chaos
Industry groups and airline trade leaders objected sharply to the weekend suspension. Chris Sununu, president and CEO of the trade association Airlines for America, said the organization "is deeply concerned that TSA PreCheck and Global Entry programs are being suspended and that the traveling public will be, once again, used as a political football amid another government shutdown" and added that "The announcement was issued with extremely short notice to travelers, giving them little time to plan accordingly, which is especially troubling at this time of record air travel. " Airlines for America represents American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines.
Geoff Freeman, head of the U. S. Travel Association, called the suspension "extremely disappointing, " accused lawmakers of putting politics first, and said later that his group was "glad" DHS had avoided "a crisis of its own making. " Freeman urged that Global Entry be restored as well, saying Trusted Traveler Programs strengthen aviation security, improve screening efficiency, and are funded by user fees.
Staffing shortfalls, unpaid workers and suspended escorts
The suspension decision was tied to staffing shortages driven by the partial government shutdown. Roughly 95 percent of TSA's workforce — about 61, 000 employees — have been forced to work without pay since the funding lapse began on Feb. 14 at midnight. As part of changes to prioritize core screening duties, TSA said courtesy escorts provided for members of Congress have been suspended "to allow officers to focus on the mission of securing America's skies. "
Homeland security secretary Kristi Noem said that "shutdowns have serious real world consequences" and that "TSA and [Customs and Border Protection] CBP are prioritizing the general traveling population at our airports and ports of entry and suspending courtesy and special privilege escorts. " Noem also said the Federal Emergency Management Agency would "halt all non-disaster related response to prioritize disasters. "
How many travelers would be affected and weather complications
The programs serve tens of millions of travelers. One account put TSA PreCheck at around 20 million enrolled users, and another noted more than 20 million active members as of 2024. Global Entry figures varied in coverage, with one figure at over 10 million enrolled users and another at about 13 million people using the program; Global Entry is a CBP program that expedites U. S. customs and immigration clearance for pre-approved, low-risk international travelers entering the United States.
Both programs speed travelers through bag check and passport control; the planned suspension from early Sunday was expected to cause headaches for passengers, an effect that was likely to be compounded in the north-east by an incoming blizzard. Coverage noted a major blizzard was set to hit the East Coast and said as much as 20 inches of snow is expected to fall in New unclear in the provided context.
Economic stakes and past shutdown costs
Industry voices warned about the broader economic impact. One commentator said a similar shutdown last year caused losses of more than $6bn across the travel industry and related sectors, he said. Freeman and others emphasized that Trusted Traveler Programs are funded by user fees and argued there was no reason at this time for them to be suspended.
