The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has temporarily halted two major airport security programs, TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, due to the ongoing partial government shutdown. These programs, favored by frequent fliers, offer expedited security processes that reduce wait times and screening procedures. For instance, TSA PreCheck allows passengers to keep laptops in their bags, speeding up the security process.
Global Entry, on the other hand, provides a quicker border control process for travelers entering the U.S. by allowing them to use automated kiosks. The suspension of these programs is a direct result of the partial government shutdown that began over a week ago, according to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.
Noem stated that this is the third time the department has been shut down during the 119th Congress due to political disagreements. She emphasized the real-world implications of such shutdowns, including the impact on national security and the financial strain on DHS employees who are left without pay.
The partial government shutdown began on February 14 due to a funding impasse between Republicans and Democrats. While the rest of the government has been fully funded through September 30, the Homeland Security funding bill has been a point of contention due to Democrats’ calls for comprehensive immigration enforcement reforms.
Despite the shutdown, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection remain largely funded due to the GOP’s passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act last year. However, other DHS programs, including the Coast Guard, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and Transportation Security Administration (TSA), are not fully funded.
Noem explained that TSA and CBP are focusing on the general traveling population at airports and ports of entry, suspending courtesy and special privilege escorts. FEMA is also prioritizing disaster-related responses, especially with another significant winter storm forecasted to hit the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast United States.
The TSA’s PreCheck and CBP’s Global Entry programs, which cost $85 and $120 respectively, require an application process and vetting before approval. PreCheck is specific to domestic flights, while Global Entry expedites the screening process for both domestic and international flights.
In addition to the suspension of these programs, DHS is also pausing courtesy and family escorts for congressional lawmakers at airports, citing the need to focus on passenger screening. Non-disaster FEMA response efforts are also being put on hold to prioritize emergencies.
The move has sparked outrage among House Homeland Security Committee Democrats, who accuse the DHS of intentionally disrupting travel. Despite multiple offers from the White House and President Trump, Democrats continue to push for more reforms, some of which are at odds with GOP leadership.