DHS Officials Update Congress Amid Severe TSA Travel Delays

On March 25, 2026, DHS officials, including acting TSA Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill, testified before Congress regarding the ongoing government shutdown, which has severely impacted TSA operations. The shutdown has led to callout rates exceeding 40% among TSA workers, resulting in unprecedented wait times for air travelers. Airlines such as United, Delta, and Allegiant are waiving fees for passengers affected by these delays. Checkpoint closures at major airports like Houston and Philadelphia have compounded the travel issues, forcing passengers to navigate complex security processes. The White House reported a slight decrease in wait times due to the deployment of ICE agents at airports, although specifics were not provided. The situation remains critical as the budget standoff continues with no resolution in sight.

Key Points: • TSA callout rates exceed 40%, causing record wait times at airports. • Airlines are waiving fees for passengers affected by long security lines. • Checkpoint closures and staffing shortages complicate travel for passengers.