TSA Officers Face Payless Shutdown, Airports at Risk

0:00On March 19th, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has warned that the ongoing partial government shutdown could force small airports to close if 50,000 airport security officers keep going without paychecks. He told CNBC that if the standoff drags into next week, the government may need to take drastic measures, especially with TSA officers said to miss. Their full paycheck on March 27th. Here this week, about 30% of TSA officers called out sick at New York JFK, Pittsburgh, and Houston-Bush airports, while 40%. Stayed home at Houston-Habby, according to the Homeland Security Department. Airports are shutting down some security checkpoints and even raising cash to help workers by food and basics, while major airline bosses push hard. For Congress to end the shutdown fast, meanwhile, 366 TSA officers have quits since it started. This comms after funding lapsed on February 13th over failed talks on immigration reforms,

1:01and with a record 171 million, passengers expected this spring up 4% from last year. The pressure is building as travel ramps up. Officials are watching closely to avoid bigger travel headaches like those from the 43-day shutdown last fall.