Lines at security checkpoints stretched to more than an hour at airports across the United States on Sunday, as the partial government shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security continued.
The department, which oversees the Transportation Security Administration, posted photos of long lines on its social media pages, blaming Democrats for holding spring break travel “hostage for political points”. Funding for the department lapsed in mid-February amid a stand-off between Republicans and Democrats over federal immigration reform.
TSA lines at Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport stretched for more than three hours on Sunday afternoon, the agency reported. The airport advised passengers to arrive four to five hours before their flights.
“The government shutdown may impact security operations from one day – and even one shift to the next,” Hobby Airport said in a post on social media. “We appreciate your patience and understanding as our federal partners work to maintain the safety of all passengers.”
Long lines were also reported at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, where passengers were encouraged to arrive three hours before their scheduled departure.
Footage from CNN affiliate WWL showed the security line stretching outside the airport and into a parking garage.
“It started deep inside the garage,” Gal Jurick told WWL about the line. “It circled around seven times before you even got to this part (inside the terminal).”
“Due to impacts from the federal government’s partial shutdown, the TSA is experiencing a shortage of workers at the security checkpoint, which is causing longer-than-average lines,” the airport posted on social media. “The airport has staff on hand to help keep the lines organised, and we will continue to coordinate with our federal partners with the TSA as they navigate this issue.”
“I’ll go down there and start checking people in,” a man who identified himself as Brian told WWL. “I’ll put a badge on.”
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, Charlotte Douglas International and George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston also reported longer than normal lines.
Photos taken at Bush Airport on Sunday afternoon show the security queue stretching outside the terminal, with travellers lined up along the pavement in the arrivals area.
TSA workers received only a partial pay cheque on February 28, and they will miss their first full pay cheque on March 14.
“This chaos is a direct result of Democrats and their refusal to fund DHS,” Lauren Bis, a DHS spokesperson, said in a statement. “These frontline heroes received only partial pay cheques earlier this month and now face their first full missed pay cheque, leading to financial hardship, absences, and crippling staffing shortages.”
The delays come as DHS braces for a new leader after President Donald Trump fired Secretary Kristi Noem last week and tapped Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin to replace her starting March 31.
Source: CNN US
