Sean Duffy says security lines 'to get worse’ as unpaid TSA agents quit over DHS funding lapse

WASHINGTON, D.C.: Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has claimed that airport security wait lines will become “much worse", as the government shutdown continues to leave TSA workers without pay. 

He noted that TSA agents are expected to miss their second paycheck this week, which will likely cause many more “to quit or they’re not going to show up.”

Sean Duffy says security lines at airports will 'grow longer'

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy told ABC’s Jonathan Karl on ‘This Week’ that the lack of funding is making it difficult for TSA employees to manage their finances. 

Duffy stated that by next weekend, more workers will likely miss work because they need to find other ways to earn money. 

He explained, “I think you’re going to see more TSA agents, as we come to Thursday, Friday, Saturday of next week, they’re going to quit or they’re not going to show up.”

Duffy noted the financial challenges these workers are face the ongoing funding impasse. 

“They’re going to take other jobs to put food on the table and pay the rent. So, I do think it’s going to get much worse. And as it gets worse, I think that puts pressure on Congress to come to a resolution,” he added.

Sean Duffy urges unpaid agents to report work

Due to high rates of employees calling out of work, travelers are seeing longer wait times at security checkpoints. 

The Department of Homeland Security reports that more than 360 officers have quit since the shutdown began in February. 

This shortage could cause some smaller airports to suspend operations if they cannot meet safety staffing requirements.

During his appearance on the show, Duffy urged employees to continue reporting for duty, noting that the officers are “going to get paid.”

“I’m asking for them to come to work, and we’ve asked them to come to work,” he said. “They make family decisions that are right on behalf of their finances. But we want them to come.”

Sean Duffy expects ICE backup to assist travelers

President Trump announced Saturday that ICE officers will be deployed to airports starting Monday to assist with operations. 

These officers are intended to help manage crowds while funding negotiations in Congress remain at a standstill. 

Duffy stated that these officers are already familiar with using security equipment at the border.

“ICE officers run those same type of security machines at the southern border, right? Packages come through or people come through. They run similar assets,” Duffy said. 

He added that their experience would help maintain the flow of travelers. “And again, even if we’re … look at the line there. To manage the through flow of people and even administratively, they’ll be helpful. But again, we have ICE agents who are trained and can provide assistance to agents.”