Travelers at major U.S. airports are facing security lines stretching up to nearly three hours. As this crisis tied to the partial DHS government shutdown stretches into its second month, conditions at U.S. airports are getting worse—not better. New reports show TSA staffing shortages deepening, with hundreds of officers quitting and absentee rates spiking at major hubs.

At the same time, severe weather and peak spring travel have pushed the system to a breaking point, triggering more than 12,000 flight delays and cancellations in a single day. Travelers across the country are now facing not only hours-long security lines, but missed flights, unexpected costs, and nights spent stranded in terminals. What began as an inconvenience has escalated into a nationwide travel breakdown—and it will continue unless leaders act now.

TSA officers are required to work without pay during the funding lapse, leading to absences and severe staffing gaps just as spring break travel ramps up. Airports across the country have warned passengers to arrive hours early to avoid missing flights.

This is not just an inconvenience. It’s a failure of leadership.

Travelers miss flights. Families lose money. TSA officers face financial hardship. Airports strain under record demand.

We call on President Donald Trump and Congress to immediately pass a clean funding agreement to fully restore DHS operations, ensure TSA officers are paid, and prevent further airport chaos.

Americans should not be caught in the middle of political gridlock.

End the shutdown. Fund TSA. Fix the lines.

Add your name if you’re tired of airport madness.

Photo: ABC