WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) initially moved to suspend expedited screening programs TSA PreCheck and Global Entry due to the ongoing lapse in funding, but reversed course on Sunday, restoring TSA PreCheck access for travelers. Global Entry, however, remains suspended.
The abrupt shift came less than a day after DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announced the temporary suspension of both programs, citing the impact of the funding shortfall. The TSA confirmed that PreCheck lanes at airports across the nation would remain open, though with a caveat.
“At this time, TSA PreCheck remains operational with no change for the traveling public. As staffing constraints arise, TSA will evaluate on a case-by-case basis and adjust operations accordingly,” a TSA spokesperson stated.
The agency also announced the suspension of courtesy escorts for members of Congress, redirecting those personnel to focus on securing America’s skies.
Earlier Sunday, several airports, including Los Angeles International Airport and St. Louis Lambert International Airport, briefly reported closures of TSA PreCheck lanes. Airports were subsequently advised by the TSA that they could maintain PreCheck operations if sufficient staffing levels were available.
Global Entry, which provides expedited customs screening for pre-approved international travelers, remains suspended at select airports in the U.S. And Canada, including Boston Logan International Airport, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, and Vancouver International Airport.
The initial decision to suspend both programs was met with criticism, including from Democratic Rep. Bennie Thompson, a ranking member on the House Homeland Security Committee, who accused the administration of deliberately inconveniencing travelers for political gain. U.S. Travel, a travel industry organization, also expressed its disappointment with the initial suspension, arguing that travelers should not be “leveraged” in political disputes.
The funding lapse impacting DHS began in February, leading to concerns about the agency’s ability to fully staff and operate critical security programs. The situation unfolded against the backdrop of an approaching winter storm that had already caused the cancellation of over 7,000 flights nationwide, raising fears of increased congestion and delays at airports.
Secretary Noem, in her initial statement, blamed congressional Democrats for the funding lapse, stating that it endangered national security and created financial hardship for DHS personnel. She also announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) would halt non-disaster related response efforts to prioritize disaster relief.
The TSA PreCheck program currently serves over 20 million pre-screened passengers, while Global Entry has enrolled more than 12 million members, offering faster processing at U.S. Ports of entry. The temporary suspension of these programs threatened to significantly increase wait times and strain resources at already busy airports.
