In a swift weekend turnaround that left millions of travelers in a state of flux, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has reversed its decision to suspend TSA PreCheck operations. The move comes as the department navigates a high-stakes partial government shutdown that began on February 14, following a congressional stalemate over immigration enforcement policy.
A Rapid About-Face
The confusion began late Saturday night when DHS officials announced a sweeping set of “emergency measures” to conserve dwindling resources. This initial plan included the nationwide suspension of TSA PreCheck and Global Entry services, effective 6:00 a.m. ET on Sunday, February 22. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem framed the decision as a “tough but necessary” step to prioritize general security screening for the majority of travelers while staffing levels were strained.
However, as travelers arrived at airports on Sunday morning to find PreCheck lanes still operational, the TSA issued a formal clarification. The agency announced that PreCheck would remain active for now, stating, “TSA PreCheck remains operational with no change for the traveling public.”
Impact on Trusted Traveler Programs
While PreCheck received a last-minute reprieve, the status of other programs remains mixed. As of Sunday afternoon, the following conditions apply to airport operations:
- TSA PreCheck: Remained operational. The agency noted it would evaluate staffing on a “case-by-case basis” and adjust if absences increase.
- Global Entry: Remained suspended. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) confirmed that Global Entry arrival processing is currently halted, with officers reassigned to general primary processing lanes.
- Congressional Escorts: All special police and family escorts for Members of Congress have been formally suspended to keep officers focused on passenger screening.
Industry and Political Backlash
The initial threat to suspend these programs drew sharp criticism from travel industry giants. Airlines for America (A4A) and the U.S. Travel Association argued that suspending fee-funded programs like PreCheck would create a “crisis of the government’s own making,” unnecessarily lengthening wait times during a period of record travel volumes.
Democrats on the House Homeland Security Committee also slammed the move, accusing the administration of “weaponizing” traveler convenience as leverage in the ongoing budget battle. Roughly 63,000 TSA agents are currently working without pay, a situation that industry experts warn will eventually lead to increased “call-outs” and airport delays if the shutdown extends into March.
Looking Ahead
For now, the 20 million active PreCheck members can continue to use expedited lanes. However, DHS officials warn that the stability of these services depends entirely on the restoration of federal funding. With a major winter storm currently impacting the Northeast and the 2026 FIFA World Cup looming in June, the pressure on Washington to reach a deal has never been higher.
Sources and Links
- DHS Official Statement: 1 Week into Democrats’ Shutdown, DHS Implements Emergency Measures
- CNN: DHS reverses course on TSA PreCheck suspension after confusion
- The Guardian: Homeland security reverses course on TSA PreCheck suspension
- PBS NewsHour: DHS shuts down Global Entry while partial government shutdown remains in effect
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