TSA Employee Resigns Amid Shutdown to Prioritize Family Needs

Jordi Bashirian

Published: March 12, 2026 4:41 PM ET

A Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officer has resigned amid a prolonged government shutdown, prioritizing his family’s needs over his job. Robert Echeverria, who served at Salt Lake City International Airport for nine years, decided to leave his position after facing significant financial strain due to the shutdown.

TSA Employee Resigns Amid Shutdown

The partial government shutdown has left many federal employees without paychecks. Echeverria, a father of three, expressed deep concern for his family’s well-being. “I love the agency. I love the people that I worked with,” he stated. However, he felt compelled to make a tough decision based on his family’s needs.

Impact of Government Shutdown

Since the shutdown began nearly a month ago, over 300 TSA officers have resigned. Many TSA employees are among the lowest-paid federal workers, earning between $45,000 and $55,000 annually. The unfortunate reality is that these employees are set to miss a full paycheck during this period of uncertainty.

Number of resignations: 300+ TSA officers
Average salary: $45,000-$55,000 per year

Increased Sick Calls and Operational Challenges

The shutdown has resulted in a significant increase in sick calls from TSA officers, more than doubling since the government closure began. This strain on manpower has led to delays and operational challenges at several major airports.

Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport: Wait times exceeded three hours on a recent Sunday.
Philadelphia International Airport: Temporarily closed a security checkpoint due to staffing issues.
Denver International Airport: Issued a plea for donations to support its TSA employees.

Concerns About Airport Security

The staffing shortage raises concerns about airport security. Former TSA Administrator John Pistole warned that the reduced number of employees could create vulnerabilities that may be exploited by individuals with ill intentions.

As lawmakers prepare to vote on funding measures for the Department of Homeland Security, the situation for TSA employees remains precarious. Airports nationwide are taking steps to support their TSA workers during this challenging period.