TSA Staffing Crisis Causes Massive Airport Delays

0:00This is Cory with the story, and here's what is making news across Birmingham right now. Airports around the United States are facing massive travel delays due to severe staffing shortages at the TSA. Hundreds of agents have resigned recently, while thousands more have called out, all tied to the ongoing government shutdown that began on February 14. TSA workers received their first paycheck with $0 last Friday, sparking even more absences. Congress has stalled on funding for key parts of the Department of Homeland Security, leaving 50,000 employees to work without pay. Travelers are hit hard, with over three hour security lines reported at Houston's hobby airport after 53% of officers missed work. Day. New Orleans, New York's Kennedy Airport and Atlanta's Hartzfield Jackson have seen similar chaos, with absence rates up to 21%. Union leaders warn the situation will worsen after the next miss paycheck this weekend. Internal data shows 305 employees separation so far, and spring break crowds are making lines even longer.

1:03Airline bosses from Delta, American, and others sent Congress and urgent letter, calling for quick action on bipartisan fixes to pay aviation workers. During shutdowns, lawmakers from both parties keep blaming each other over stalled reform talks. Quick thanks to today's sponsor, see the description for more. A pillow that plays your sound quietly, comfortably, effortlessly, built for nighttime listening, S-O-L-I, solely pillow.com. Made in AI.