U.S. Travel Industry Calls for Urgent Congressional Action to Prevent Shutdown Impact on TSA and Travel

As a potential U.S. government shutdown looms, travel industry leaders warn that TSA funding lapses could disrupt spring break, causing delays, missed flights, and economic damage.

As the U.S. nears the potential risk of another government shutdown, a crucial concern arises just ahead of one of the busiest travel periods of the year—spring break. The looming uncertainty over funding for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has prompted a joint statement from key industry players, including U.S. Travel, Airlines for America, and the American Hotel & Lodging Association. They have voiced alarm over the potentially disruptive effects of a funding lapse on the travel sector, particularly for Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees and the broader travel ecosystem.

In a statement, industry leaders emphasized the vital role that TSA personnel play in ensuring smooth air travel and public safety. The risk of essential TSA workers being forced to work without pay could lead to numerous issues, including increased absenteeism, call-outs, and ultimately, longer wait times for travelers. This situation, if not addressed, could result in higher chances of flight delays and cancellations, exacerbating an already stressful travel experience.

The travel industry has previously experienced firsthand the consequences of such funding lapses. During the 43-day shutdown the previous year, TSA personnel continued to work despite not being paid, a show of resilience that the organizations commend. However, the prolonged uncertainty significantly strained the system, causing a ripple effect across the travel sector. The ripple extended beyond just airports—hotels, airlines, and countless small businesses within the travel ecosystem suffered due to disrupted operations.

These shutdowns also have an enduring economic impact. Last year, the 43-day shutdown alone resulted in a staggering loss of $6 billion in economic activity, equating to nearly $140 million per day. The disruptions affected more than 6 million travelers, many of whom experienced delays and cancellations due to the understaffing of TSA checkpoints. With major events like America’s 250th anniversary and the 2026 World Cup approaching, these disruptions not only threaten the smooth flow of travelers but also jeopardize the nation’s ability to capitalize on the economic opportunities these high-profile events will generate.

As such, the need for a resolution is urgent. The statement from U.S. Travel, Airlines for America, and the American Hotel & Lodging Association stresses that Congress must take immediate action to ensure that TSA is fully funded and equipped to carry out its critical security functions. The joint statement strongly advocates for the passage of the Keep America Flying Act (S. 3031/H.R. 5851), a bipartisan proposal that would guarantee TSA officers and air traffic controllers receive pay during funding lapses. This legislation, they argue, is a common-sense solution to ensure that the nation’s aviation security personnel are properly compensated and the country’s air travel operations remain uninterrupted.

The statement concludes by underscoring the importance of securing a stable and reliable funding framework for essential federal workers, not just for the benefit of travelers but for the broader economy. A failure to act quickly could have long-term ramifications, hindering the nation’s preparedness and modernization efforts, and putting at risk the tourism, travel, and hospitality sectors that support millions of American jobs. The travel industry, which relies on smooth operations and certainty in funding, urges Congress to prioritize the passage of the Keep America Flying Act and prevent further disruption to the nation’s critical infrastructure.

The post U.S. Travel Industry Calls for Urgent Congressional Action to Prevent Shutdown Impact on TSA and Travel appeared first on Travel And Tour World.