TSA PreCheck Remains Operational Amid Government Shutdown
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced Sunday that its PreCheck program would continue to operate despite an earlier statement from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) indicating a potential suspension during the ongoing partial government shutdown.
Initial Suspension Announcement and Reversal
On Saturday, DHS officials announced plans to suspend TSA PreCheck and Global Entry programs, along with courtesy escorts for members of Congress, as “emergency measures to preserve limited funds” due to the shutdown. However, the TSA clarified on Sunday that PreCheck “remains operational with no change for the traveling public.”
According to a TSA spokesperson, the agency will “evaluate on a case by case basis and adjust operations accordingly” if staffing constraints arise from the shutdown. Further, DHS officials confirmed on Sunday that there were no changes to Global Entry and that the changes announced previously were reversed mid-morning.
Impact of the Partial Government Shutdown
The partial government shutdown began on February 14, 2026, after Democrats and the White House failed to reach an agreement on legislation to fund the Department of Homeland Security. Democrats have sought changes to immigration policies central to President Trump’s deportation campaign.
Disruptions and Concerns
The initial announcement of potential suspensions caused concern among travelers and industry groups. Airlines for America, a trade group representing major carriers, criticized the announcement as being issued with “extremely short notice,” giving travelers little time to adjust plans. The organization expressed concern that the traveling public was being used as a “political football.”
Courtesy escorts for Members of Congress have been suspended to allow TSA officers to focus on securing America’s skies.
Program Statistics
As of 2026, more than 20 million Americans are enrolled in TSA PreCheck, according to the Department of Homeland Security. Millions of these individuals also have overlapping Global Entry memberships. Global Entry, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection program, expedites customs processing for pre-approved, low-risk travelers entering the United States from abroad.
Industry Response
Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, stated, “We are glad that DHS has decided to retain PreCheck operational and avoid a crisis of its own making.”
Winter Storm Complications
The situation is further complicated by a major winter storm expected to impact the East Coast from Sunday into Monday. As of Sunday, nine out of ten flights were cancelled at John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, and Boston Logan Airport.
Political Reactions
Democrats on the House Committee on Homeland Security criticized the DHS’s handling of airport security, accusing the administration of “kneecapping the programs that make travel smoother, and secure.” Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ) suggested the administration was attempting to “weaponize our government” and shift responsibility.
Modern York Times: Homeland Security to Shut T.S.A. PreCheck and Global Entry
CBS News: DHS suspending TSA PreCheck, Global Entry programs amid partial shutdown
Free Press: TSA PreCheck still open as DHS walks back shutdown plan
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