The United States has officially ended its longest agency shutdown after Congress passed and the President signed funding legislation on April 30. The deal secures operations for the Department of Homeland Security, including the Transportation Security Administration, United States Coast Guard, Federal Emergency Management Agency, and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, through September 30, 2026.
The shutdown, which began on February 14, lasted 75 days and significantly impacted aviation security operations. Over 60,000 TSA agents and Customs officers continued working without regular pay during this period. Reports indicate that more than 1,100 TSA officers resigned by late April, highlighting the strain on the workforce.
Staff shortages led to severe disruptions at major U.S. airports. At George Bush Intercontinental Airport, security wait times stretched to nearly four hours, with limited checkpoints in operation. Other major hubs also reported delays exceeding three hours as absenteeism surged.
Airlines, represented by Airlines for America, expressed relief following the agreement, stating it ensures that TSA agents and Customs officers are compensated for maintaining the safety and security of the nation’s airports and airspace.
