TSA Absences Surge During DHS Shutdown, Straining Airport Security
During the DHS funding lapse, TSA unscheduled absences more than doubled, with about 300 officers leaving and a nationwide callout rate averaging 6% (peaking at 9%), causing longer security lines at airports such as JFK and Hobby; roughly 50,000 officers are working without pay, and replacements require four to six months of training, raising concerns about recruitment and potential security risks if the shutdown persists.
