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A growing wave of frustration is building across the country as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown continues, leaving thousands of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers working without pay.
Union leaders representing TSA workers in Atlanta are now urging Congress to end the political stalemate in Washington, warning that the financial strain on frontline security officers has reached a breaking point.
Many of these workers continue to report for duty every day to keep American airports secure — even as their own families struggle to make ends meet.
TSA Officers Say Financial Pressure Is Becoming Severe
Aaron Barker, president of AMG Local 554, spoke Monday at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, explaining that many TSA officers are now facing serious financial hardships after missing their first full paycheck during the shutdown.
According to Barker, workers are dealing with a growing list of problems at home.
Some officers have received eviction notices, while others are struggling with vehicle repossessions, empty refrigerators, and overdrawn bank accounts.
“Unlike other federal agencies such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement or Customs and Border Protection, TSA officers are continuing to work without receiving pay,” Barker said.
Despite these hardships, TSA officers are still showing up for work because missing a shift could lead to disciplinary action.
“These officers are exhausted financially, but they continue to report for duty to protect the traveling public,” Barker added.
TSA Staffing Problems Are Already Growing
The shutdown is also beginning to affect airport operations.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said Sunday that about 300 TSA employees have already resigned since the shutdown began. At the same time, employee call-outs have doubled.
Those staffing problems could eventually lead to longer airport security lines and travel delays for Americans flying across the country.
Duffy has blamed congressional Democrats for the funding dispute, which centers around disagreements over proposed reforms to immigration enforcement agencies.
DHS Shutdown Passes One-Month Mark
The Department of Homeland Security has now been partially shut down for more than 30 days, leaving thousands of essential employees without pay.
Republicans have pushed for a funding plan that fully supports all DHS agencies.
Democrats, however, have proposed funding certain parts of the department — including TSA — while withholding funding from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) until broader immigration reforms are negotiated with the Trump administration.
That disagreement has kept lawmakers from reaching a final budget deal.
Workers Struggling With Medical Bills And Family Expenses
Union leaders say the shutdown is creating heartbreaking situations for many families.
Barker said he has heard from TSA officers who cannot afford co-payments for cancer treatments or basic doctor visits for their children.
According to Barker, forcing employees to work without pay could have lasting financial consequences even after the shutdown ends.
“Missed payments, damaged credit, and lost housing are problems that don’t disappear overnight,” he said.
“These workers did not cause this shutdown, but they are carrying the burden of it.”
Nearly 100,000 DHS Employees Miss Paychecks
A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security told FOX Business that around 100,000 DHS employees missed their first full paycheck last week.
That amounts to roughly $1 billion in unpaid wages every month during the shutdown.
Officials also warned that airport travel disruptions could worsen if the shutdown continues.
“American travelers are already experiencing longer security lines,” the spokesperson said. “Those delays will likely grow if the situation in Washington is not resolved.”
The spokesperson accused Democrats of playing politics with national security while TSA workers and their families suffer the consequences.
TSA Officers Across The Country Are Growing Angry
Union leaders say frustration among TSA officers is spreading nationwide.
Some workers have started driving for rideshare services or taking temporary side jobs just to keep up with bills.
“To be honest, officers are extremely angry,” Barker said.
“And it’s not just happening here in Atlanta. This frustration is nationwide. These officers want Congress to resolve this shutdown so they can return to a normal, stable life.”
