Major travel groups and airlines are pushing US lawmakers to reach a deal on government funding ahead of a partial shutdown, arguing it could lead to travel chaos during spring break.
Several groups, including Airlines for America, stated in a joint statement that without an agreement, the risk of unscheduled absences by Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers increases, resulting in flight delays and longer wait times.
Travellers and the US economy cannot afford to have essential TSA personnel working without pay, they expressed.
A partial government shutdown is set to begin at midnight on Saturday after lawmakers failed to agree on funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
In exchange for a funding deal, Democrats have been pushing for stricter controls on US Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which will remain largely unaffected by the shutdown due to previous funding measures. Recent efforts for funding reform are influenced by significant incidents involving federal agents and the rising need for accountability in immigration processes.
The impact of a shutdown would extend to several agencies under the DHS umbrella, including the US Coast Guard and TSA, potentially leading to significant operational disruptions.
The scenario could exacerbate already tense conditions at airports, where delays and longer lines are expected if TSA workers begin to call in sick due to unpaid work. Last year’s extensive government shutdown serves as a historical reminder of the travel disruptions that can ensue.
As Congress hopes to negotiate a deal before the situation escalates further, both sides face mounting pressure from the public and industry stakeholders for resolution.
