The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a rapid reversal on its earlier plan to suspend the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) PreCheck program amid a partial government shutdown, after significant criticism from travel industry groups, lawmakers, and the public. The reversal leaves PreCheck operational at U.S. airports, while the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Global Entry program remains suspended. This development comes as the shutdown drags on following a funding impasse in Congress.

The partial shutdown began on February 14, 2026, when funding lapsed due to disagreements primarily over immigration policy reforms. DHS, the agency most impacted by the shutdown, initially announced that both TSA PreCheck and Global Entry — two “Trusted Traveler” programs used by tens of millions of enrolled passengers — would be suspended starting Sunday, February 22. The stated rationale was to redirect limited DHS staffing and resources toward core security operations.

After a wave of pushback from travelers, airline groups, and legislators, DHS walked back the suspension of TSA PreCheck. A TSA spokesperson clarified that PreCheck “remains operational with no change for the traveling public” and that the agency will evaluate staffing constraints on a case-by-case basis at individual airports as the shutdown continues. The agency also noted that courtesy escorts for Members of Congress would be suspended to reallocate personnel.

By contrast, the Global Entry program — which expedites customs and immigration processing for pre-approved international travelers — remains suspended until funding is restored, according to DHS and multiple news outlets. Global Entry is closely linked with PreCheck: many users enrolled in one program are simultaneously enrolled in the other. The suspension of Global Entry is understood to affect millions of international arrivals, increasing wait times at border entry points.

Why the Reversal? Political Pressure and Operational Concerns

The reversal occurred amid widespread criticism from travelers and industry groups, including Airlines for America and the U.S. Travel Association, who warned the suspension would create widespread disruptions, especially with spring break travel imminent. Airlines for America highlighted that travel programs like PreCheck improve efficiency, reduce wait times, and save valuable security personnel hours. These groups argued that suspending these services during a shutdown would increase operational strain on TSA agents and potentially heighten security bottlenecks.

Lawmakers from both parties also weighed in. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and other critics accused DHS leadership of using travel services as political leverage in budget negotiations, potentially punishing travelers amid broader policy disagreements. Some lawmakers pointed to previous shutdowns — including a 43-day lapse late last year — when PreCheck and Global Entry remained operational despite funding lapses.

Operational Impacts on Travelers and Airports

For many travelers, the uncertainty caused confusion at airports. In some locations, passengers expecting PreCheck lanes to close found them open when they arrived for flights, as local TSA directors continued PreCheck operations based on staffing availability. NBC San Diego reported travelers at San Diego International Airport were surprised to see PreCheck lanes active despite earlier news of suspension, illustrating how rapidly the situation evolved.

Industry analysts warn that if the shutdown continues, TSA — which has already operated without full funding — could face staffing pressures that eventually force adjustments or service reductions. TSA agents and other DHS staff are reported to be working without pay, a situation that could lead to morale and retention challenges if the shutdown persists.

Political and Budgetary Context

The shutdown stems from a failure in Congress to pass funding legislation for DHS before the February 14 deadline. Democratic lawmakers reportedly pushed for immigration reforms including limits on certain enforcement actions, while Republican lawmakers resisted tying funding to those changes. The resulting political standoff has highlighted tensions over immigration policy, budget priorities, and the use of operational programs as bargaining chips.

Some critics argue that DHS’s initial plan to suspend travel programs — rather than prioritizing essential services — was politically motivated. The Washington Post reported internal disagreements and White House involvement in reversing the TSA suspension, emphasizing that the back-and-forth reflected both political calculation and operational reconsiderations.

Pros — Potential Benefits and Justifications

• Continued Security and Convenience: With TSA PreCheck still operational, millions of travelers benefit from expedited screening, reducing security line congestion and improving travel experience even during the shutdown.
• Operational Flexibility: DHS’s case-by-case approach allows airports with sufficient staffing to maintain PreCheck services, preserving efficiency where possible.
• Industry Stability: Airlines and travel groups argue that keeping PreCheck helps sustain confidence in U.S. aviation operations and prevents avoidable travel disruptions.

Cons — Risks and Criticisms

• Global Entry Suspension: International travelers must now navigate standard customs lines, possibly increasing congestion and wait times amid ongoing border security demands.
• Political Weaponization Concerns: Critics argue that using travel services in budget negotiations conflates essential operations with political leverage, eroding public trust.
• Staffing Strain: TSA agents and other DHS personnel are working without pay during the shutdown, potentially affecting morale and long-term staffing stability.
• Uncertainty Remains: Even with PreCheck operational now, the future of the program remains contingent on how long the shutdown persists and how staffing resources evolve.

Future Projections

• Extended Shutdown Consequences: If congressional impasse continues, DHS may revisit operational decisions, possibly impacting Trusted Traveler Programs further.
• Congressional Negotiations: Lawmakers may feel increased pressure to reach budget agreements to avoid ongoing disruptions to transportation services and other federal functions.
• Travel Industry Advocacy: Airlines and groups may intensify lobbying for long-term protections for PreCheck and Global Entry during funding lapses.
• Operational Innovations: TSA and airports may explore contingency planning to maintain screening efficiency during future funding uncertainties.

References

• Reuters – US Homeland Security: TSA PreCheck still operational, reverses earlier announcement
• Washington Post – DHS reversal and internal discussions
• ABC News – DHS reverses decision to suspend TSA PreCheck and Global Entry
• NBC San Diego – Local airport reactions to TSA PreCheck reversal
• Reuters – Travel group and lawmakers urge reinstating Global Entry
• Wikipedia – 2026 U.S. federal government shutdowns (context)

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a rapid reversal on its earlier plan to suspend the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) PreCheck program amid a partial government shutdown, after significant criticism from travel industry groups, lawmakers, and the public. The reversal leaves PreCheck operational at U.S. airports, while the U.S. Customs and Border Protection