The Transportation Security Administration said Monday it will begin shifting airport security screeners from other parts of the country to cover rising absenteeism in major airports that appear to be caused by the partial government shutdown.
“TSA Federal Security Directors, in concert with the airport & servicing airlines, will announce when lane closures occur so passengers can plan accordingly. @TSA will reallocate screening officers on a national basis to meet staffing shortages that cannot be addressed locally,” TSA Assistant Administrator for Public Affairs Michael Bilello said in a statement Monday afternoon.
Bilello told Washington Examiner he could not share the number of personnel who have been moved due to “operational security concerns.” TSA also has not issued details on the cost of moving officers or how it will fund the operation despite a lapse in funding.
The announcement came just as four of the country’s highest-traffic airports closed some terminal checkpoints Monday due to a shortage of employees to screen passengers.
Miami International Airport, George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, and Washington-Dulles International Airport have shut down select security checkpoints that all passengers and crew must go through before boarding flights.
Employees have been missing work at a higher rate following a lapse in Department of Homeland Security funding starting Dec. 22. Officers received their last paycheck on Friday, as well as one extra day’s pay and a $500 bonus at the discretion of TSA Administrator David Pekoske.
About 7.2 percent of all staff refused to come into work Monday, double the number on the same date last year. Of the 45,000 screening officers, around 3,300 were absent the first day of the work week.
House Homeland Security Chairman Bennie Thompson reacted to that news by saying the shortage was taking a toll on national security and blaming President Trump for putting the country’s well-being at risk.
“Not only will continuing the shutdown increase airport delays and hinder commerce, it could have a negative impact on aviation security if a resolution does not come quickly,” the Mississippi Democrat said. “I hope President Trump realizes that being responsible for the longest government shutdown in history is no badge of honor — it will have untold negative consequences for months to come. Until he realizes his error, the American people should put the blame squarely on his shoulders.”
Bilello insisted security standards have not declined because of the drop in the number of TSA workers who show up. He said the difference is that fewer officers are available to look over passengers, which could affect lines and the amount of time people should arrive at the airport before their flights.
“TSA Federal Security Directors (FSD) continually meet with airport authorities and airlines nationwide to ensure resources are optimized, efforts to consolidate operations are actively managed, and that the screening and security of the traveling public are never compromised,” Bilello said in a post to Twitter.
TSA processes an average of 2.1 million passengers per day.
