Democrats continue their temper tantrum in the form of a partial government shutdown over Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) procedures, and that tantrum has morphed into Americans feeling the brunt of their tantrum at the nation’s airports. Impossibly long lines for security screenings have travelers waiting for, in some instances, three hours or more.
But there may be an answer to getting innocent airline passengers through security lines in the future that would bypass politics. Thanks to an underutilized federal program, roughly a dozen airports around the country are staffing security checkpoints with private contractors, while Transportation Security Administration (TSA) maintains oversight.
As the shutdown continues, some airports are moving passengers through security faster, while others are seeing hourslong security lines. Here’s a look at one of the reasons why – privatization. https://t.co/TvjyzlmRBL
— FOX26Houston (@FOX26Houston) March 11, 2026
The best part about this is the fact that private contractors get paid from a federal contract. That means that those workers are not affected by government shutdowns. One of the largest airports to use this program is San Francisco International Airport (SFO). SFO spokesperson Doug Yakel touted the biggest benefit of this program, saying, “The money’s already been allocated, the payments have already been made, and that continues without interruption. That is a very nice place to be.”
Not everyone is in favor of the possible solution, namely, the union that represents federal screeners. They argue that using private companies could result in a reduction of job protections and a reduction in employee pay and benefits.
Here is how the program works. Airports hire private security companies that are chosen by the federal government. Those employees run the actual day-to-day procedures of the checkpoints, and the TSA has authority over procedures and oversight. Private security employees receive the same background checks, and must meet the same medical requirements, as federal security screeners.
TSA agents are working without pay during the shutdown and passengers are stuck in airport security lines of 4-5 hours.
Airport security shouldn’t depend on whether Congress passes a spending bill. Private screening already works at some U.S. airports and can deliver:
• faster…— Center for Renewing America (@amrenewctr) March 10, 2026
TSA agents are working without pay during the shutdown and passengers are stuck in airport security lines of 4-5 hours. Airport security shouldn’t depend on whether Congress passes a spending bill. Private screening already works at some U.S. airports and can deliver: •faster checkpoints• lower costs• security that keeps running during shutdowns
Privatizing TSA would modernize aviation security
In addition to potential job losses and benefits, the American Federation of Government Employees, who represent TSA screeners, also opposes privatization because private companies may look for ways to cut costs that would, in turn, affect training and staffing levels. They point to privatization potentially causing inconsistencies between airports when security screening is run by different companies.
Industry groups like the U.S. Travel Association, Airlines for America, and the American Association of Airport Executives say there is an easier way to solve the government shutdown problem. They want Congress to pass legislation that would guarantee that TSA and other airport employees would be paid during government shutdowns. U.S. Travel Association President Geoff Freeman had this to say about Congress stepping in:
“Every time Washington fails to fund the government, these essential workers pay the price. So do travelers. So does the economy. That is why America’s travel industry has come together, because this workforce is too important, and the stakes are too high, for this to keep happening.”
In 2025, Sens. Mike Lee (R-UT) and Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) introduced the “Abolish TSA Act,” but it stalled in the Senate. However, TSA leaders have stated they are open to discussions on privatization.
ALSO READ: Watch: Dems Reveal Peak Hypocrisy and Unbelievable Demand As They Continue Blocking DHS Funding
But for now, TSA employees are having their second paycheck held hostage by Democrats, who have to hope those employees don’t have long memories come November.
Expect longer wait times for security checks, delays, and possibly missed flights. About 50,000 airport security screeners are working without pay due to the partial government shutdown.
Airport Security Lines Hit 3 Hours Amid Shutdown, Spring Travel https://t.co/EkFbDcN0C2
— VW Trabi (@VwTrabi) March 9, 2026
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