The Transportation Security Administration closed a security checkpoint at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport on Sunday due to a staffing shortage stemming from the partial government shutdown.
A ticket counter and TSA checkpoint was closed at the airport’s Terminal B around 3:30 p.m. due to “staffing issues associated with the partial shutdown of the federal government,” according to a statement released by the airport. The terminal is expected to stay closed for the remainder of the day.
The @TSA security checkpoint at Terminal B has been closed, and passengers will be routed to either Terminal C or E. if you have a flight, please allow extra time, and check https://t.co/a5cyZuGvqF for wait times. #fly2houston
— Houston Bush Airport (@iah) January 13, 2019
Passengers scheduled to depart from the terminal were redirected to other terminals and were advised to prepared for increased wait times. The terminal closure reportedly only affects passengers flying on United Airlines.
Advice to always get to @iah 2 hours before your flight is especially important today. Shortage of TSA workers, unpaid during the US gov’t shutdown, is causing this change. Terminal B is solely @united flights. pic.twitter.com/ijCKa4k1NP
— Sylvester Turner (@SylvesterTurner) January 13, 2019
Airports across the country are facing the challenges of staff shortages and increased wait times as TSA employees increasingly call out sick or stay home from work during the partial government shutdown that has left 800,000 federal workers without pay.
On Saturday, the TSA saw an uptick in unscheduled employee absences, as compared to the same time last year, according to Michael Bilello, the agency’s assistant administrator for public affairs.
This morning, TSA experienced a national rate of 5.6 percent unscheduled absences compared to a 3.3 percent rate one year ago, Saturday, January 13, 2018. Most importantly, security standards remain uncompromised at our nation’s airports.
— Michael Bilello (@TSA_Bilello) January 12, 2019
Miami International Airport was also forced to close one of its terminals this weekend after its TSA screeners called out sick at double the normal rate.
TSA Administrator David Pekoske on Friday authorized compensation for the employees that worked on Dec. 22, the first day of the shutdown. He also approved $500 awards for officers that worked during the holiday season, in hopes that “these actions alleviate some of the financial hardship many of you are facing.”
While I realize this is not what you are owed for your hard work during pay period 26 and what you deserve, I hope these actions alleviate some of the financial hardship many of you are facing.
— David P. Pekoske (@TSA_Pekoske) January 12, 2019
The shutdown is in its 23rd day and stems from a political fight over spending on border security. President Trump has demanded roughly $5.6 billion in border wall funding, but Democrats have refused to vote in favor of spending legislation with that line item attached.
