T.S.A. Workers Brace for Another Shutdown They Didn’t Cause

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by Eileen Sullivan and Christine Chung

February 14, 2026

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Congress has left town without funding the Department of Homeland Security, leaving Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees to face another government shutdown they did not initiate. This time around, the financial strain is particularly severe for many TSA workers, as they are still recovering from last year’s 43-day shutdown, which left some unable to afford basic necessities like housing, transportation, and healthcare. With no pay during this latest impasse, these essential security personnel worry about how long they can continue their critical work without financial relief. The shutdown stems from a political dispute over immigration enforcement policies, with lawmakers failing to reach an agreement on funding the department. TSA employees, who are working without pay, play a vital role in ensuring airport security, yet their personal struggles often go unnoticed by the public. Previous shutdowns have only ended when their ability to maintain operations began to falter, potentially leading to disruptions for travelers once they miss their first full paycheck. This time around, the financial burden is compounded by the fact that many TSA workers are still rebuilding from last year’s prolonged hiatus. The emotional toll on TSA employees is significant, with some expressing frustration over not receiving a promised $10,000 bonus for their “exemplary service” during the previous shutdown. Roberto Echeverria, a lead transportation security officer in Salt Lake City, shared that his colleagues have been bracing for this scenario by picking up as much overtime as possible to create a financial cushion. However, with limited resources and mounting expenses, many are left feeling uncertain about their ability to continue working under such conditions. This situation highlights the broader challenges faced by federal employees caught in the crossfire of political gridlock. TSA workers, who are essential to public safety, are once again being asked to shoulder the consequences of government dysfunction. Their personal struggles underscore the human cost of prolonged shutdowns and the need for a more stable approach to funding critical services. As Congress continues to debate, the well-being of these workers—and the security they provide—hang in the balance. This issue matters to readers interested in news because it sheds light on

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/14/2026