DHS Suspends TSA PreCheck and Global Entry Amid Ongoing Partial Government Shutdown, Sparking Traveler Backlash
Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has temporarily suspended its popular TSA PreCheck and Global Entry programs nationwide, effective 6 a.m. Eastern Time on Sunday, February 22, as a partial government shutdown drags into its second week. The unprecedented move, aimed at redirecting limited staff resources, is poised to create longer security lines at airports and strain international customs processing at a time when winter storm disruptions have already battered air travel.
Funding Lapse Triggers Emergency Measures
The suspensions stem from Congress’s failure to pass a funding measure before DHS’s budget expired on February 14, leaving the agency to implement “tough but necessary” decisions to prioritize core operations.[1][2][5] DHS Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized the real-world impacts of the shutdown, stating, “Shutdowns have serious 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.”[5][7]
TSA PreCheck, which serves around 20 million pre-vetted U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, allows members to skip rigorous screening procedures like shoe removal and belt loosening, expediting domestic security checks.[2][6] Global Entry, with over 12 million enrollees including citizens from nearly two dozen countries, provides automated kiosks for faster customs clearance upon international arrival.[5] Together, these programs handle more than 40 million passengers annually, making their halt a significant escalation from prior shutdowns where expedited lanes remained open despite enrollment disruptions.[2][6]
Airports Brace for Disruptions
With the changes taking effect Sunday morning, pre-approved travelers must now join standard security queues, potentially exacerbating delays already caused by a massive winter storm that canceled over 5,000 flights nationwide.[7] DHS officials explained that personnel from these programs will be reassigned to support general passenger processing and suspend “courtesy and special privilege escorts,” including those for members of Congress.[3][4]
Airlines and travel groups swiftly condemned the decision. The U.S. Travel Association called it “extremely disappointing,” arguing, “Travelers should be prioritized, not leveraged.”[6][7] Airlines for America CEO Chris Sununu echoed concerns, noting the short notice left little time for planning.[6] Frequent flyers, who paid $76.75 to $85 for five-year TSA PreCheck memberships or $120 for Global Entry, expressed frustration online, with some labeling it an unnecessary hardship.[2]
Political Standoff Fuels Criticism
The partial shutdown centers on deep partisan divides over immigration enforcement funding. A DHS funding bill reportedly failed after Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer rejected President Trump’s offer for ICE reforms.[8] Critics from the Democratic side, including House Speaker Hakeem Jeffries, accused the administration of “purposely punishing the American people” by suspending programs that actually reduce line burdens on unpaid staff.[5][7]
“TSA PreCheck and Global Entry REDUCE airport lines and ease the burden on DHS staff who are working without pay because of Trump’s abuse of the Department,” Jeffries stated.
ICE and CBP staff continue paid operations under prior congressional appropriations, but the broader funding gap has forced these cutbacks.[2] This marks the first nationwide suspension of these trusted traveler benefits during a shutdown, diverging sharply from past incidents where lines lengthened due to staffing but expedited services persisted.[2][6]
Industry and Traveler Impacts
The timing could not be worse, coinciding with flight resumptions post-storm and just weeks before spring break peaks.[7] International passengers face particular uncertainty, as Global Entry’s automated systems still require CBP oversight.[2] Enrollment centers are also affected, halting new applications and renewals.
| Program | Members | Fee (5 Years) | Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| TSA PreCheck | ~20 million | $76.75–$85 | Expedited domestic security |
| Global Entry | ~12 million | $120 | Expedited international customs |
Uncertain Duration and Path Forward
DHS has not specified how long the suspensions will last, leaving travelers in limbo amid stalled budget talks.[6] Secretary Noem reiterated the agency’s focus on safety, redirecting resources to essential screening amid the funding crisis.[4] As Congress reconvenes, pressure mounts from both sides of the aisle to resolve the impasse, with some lawmakers now feeling the pinch of canceled VIP escorts.[3]
Aviation experts warn of cascading effects: longer lines could lead to more missed flights, heightened passenger frustration, and economic ripple effects for the $1 trillion travel sector.[7] For now, domestic and international flyers are advised to arrive earlier, pack minimally, and monitor airport updates.
The episode underscores the tangible fallout of Washington’s gridlock, transforming a fiscal debate into daily hardships for millions. As negotiations continue, the public watches warily, hoping for swift restoration of these vital conveniences.