Noem slams brakes on TSA PreCheck, Global Entry as Democrats allege punishment
This story has been updated to reflect changes regarding the current status of TSA PreCheck
Update: TSA PreCheck will continue operating for now, a Transportation Security Administration spokesperson said on Sunday, February 22, walking back earlier indications that the Department of Homeland Security’s expedited screening program would be suspended because of the agency’s funding lapse.
The spokesperson cautioned, however, that the TSA “will evaluate on a case by case basis and adjust operations accordingly” based on “staffing constraints.”
“Courtesy escorts, such as those for Members of Congress, have been suspended to allow officers to focus on the mission of securing America’s skies,” the statement said.
WASHINGTON, DC: Air travelers could soon encounter longer wait times at US airports after the Department of Homeland Security confirmed it was suspending TSA PreCheck and Global Entry programs as part of a partial government shutdown now in its second week.
DHS officials said that the Transportation Security Administration and the Federal Emergency Management Agency entered emergency operating status at 6 am ET on Sunday, February 22.
FEMA will pause all non-disaster-related activities, while TSA has suspended all PreCheck services, along with courtesies such as congressional and family police escorts at airports.
Kristi Noem says focus is on general travelers
The US Customs and Border Protection will also suspend Global Entry processing. Officers typically assigned to handle Global Entry travelers will instead be redeployed to assist with general passenger arrivals.
DHS said normal operations across agencies will resume once the shutdown ends.
In a statement issued, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said that the decision was aimed at prioritizing the broader traveling public.
“TSA and CBP are prioritizing the general traveling population at our airports and ports of entry and suspending courtesy and special privilege escorts,” Noem said.
She also cited a major winter storm forecast to hit the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, saying FEMA must halt non-essential work to focus on disaster response.
Shutdown rooted in DHS funding fight
The partial shutdown began on February 14 after lawmakers failed to reach an agreement on DHS funding.
Democrats withheld support while demanding changes to the agency following the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis last month by federal immigration agents.
Beyond TSA and FEMA, the shutdown is affecting multiple DHS components, including the Coast Guard and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. Roughly 13% of the federal civilian workforce is impacted.
Democrats slam move as political punishment
The suspension drew sharp criticism from Democratic Rep Bennie Thompson, the ranking member of the House Homeland Security Committee.
“These nitwits are at it again,” Thompson said, accusing President Donald Trump and Noem of deliberately punishing Americans.
He argued that TSA PreCheck and Global Entry reduce airport congestion and ease pressure on DHS staff who are working without pay during the shutdown.
TSA PreCheck allows approved travelers to move more quickly through airport security after completing an application, background check, and fee payment. As of 2024, more than 20 million people were enrolled in the program.
Global Entry, run by CBP, offers expedited clearance for frequent international travelers, including US citizens, lawful permanent residents, and citizens of nearly two dozen other countries.
