Major travel groups and airlines are pushing US lawmakers to reach a deal on government funding ahead of a partial shutdown, arguing it could lead to travel chaos during spring break.
Several groups, including Airlines for America, said in a joint statement that without a deal, the risk of unscheduled absences by Transportation Security Administration workers increased, causing flight delays and longer wait times.
Travellers and the US economy cannot afford to have essential TSA personnel working without pay, they said.
A partial government shutdown is set to begin at midnight (05:00 GMT) on Saturday after lawmakers failed to agree on funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
In exchange for a funding deal, Democrats have been pushing for more restrictions on US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which will not be significantly affected by the shutdown due to previous funding measures. They are demanding reforms following controversial federal actions in Minnesota that resulted in the deaths of two residents.
Senate Democrats have blocked funding bills that lacked immigration reforms, halting negotiations as the shutdown approaches.
US President Donald Trump has indicated uncertainty regarding a potential agreement for funding, emphasizing the need to protect law enforcement personnel.
This ongoing shutdown is expected to impact multiple agencies under the DHS, including the Coast Guard and TSA, with concerns that TSA workers may go unpaid if the shutdown extends. This could lead to longer lines at airports if staff begin calling in sick due to unpaid work.
While the situation is dire, it's noted that the Federal Aviation Administration remains funded, potentially minimizing the overall travel chaos observed during last year’s shutdown.
Laws surrounding immigration controls and funding remain at the forefront of legislative disputes as lawmakers gear up for a potential recess.
