DHS shutdown triggers TSA ‘emergency measures’ as lawmaker warns airports could feel economic pain

By Fox News · Fox News

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is taking emergency measures amid a partial DHS shutdown that dragged on for another week, as a top lawmaker who oversees transportation warned of potential economic fallout at airports. While Democrats have held up funding for DHS, their intended target — ICE — remains resourced due to a $75 billion infusion from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act last year. Over the weekend, several reports claimed DHS was prepared to pause TSA PreCheck — the program that allows qualified frequent fliers a speedier pass through security. But a TSA spokesperson told Fox News Digital on Wednesday that PreCheck remains "operational with no change for the traveling public." HERE'S HOW THE DHS SHUTDOWN COULD IMPACT THE LIVES OF EVERYDAY AMERICANS "As staffing constraints arise, TSA will evaluate on a case by case basis and adjust operations accordingly," the spokesperson said. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem also told CNN on Wednesday that one contingency could arise in which unpaid TSA officers may need to find alternative employment to provide for their families. At that point, "we’ll have to prioritize where the most travelers go through their security checkpoints," she said. So far, there have been no noticeable flight delays due to the TSA shutdown. As of now, the main TSA program suspended is that of " courtesy escorts " for dignitaries, including members of Congress. Escorts have been paused to "allow officers to focus on the mission of securing America’s skies," a TSA spokesperson said. WHY KEEPING LAWMAKERS IN DC DURING SHUTDOWN MAY HAVE CAUSED MORE HARM THAN GOOD "Until funding is restored, all travelers should expect a process that does not sacrifice security," the agency said in a statement. However, the top lawmaker on the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Transportation told Fox News Digital that the program does not appear to be universally in place, noting he either goes through TSA security like other traveler…