HAPPENING NOW : Transportation Security Administration suspended congressional escort services at major airports one week into the partial government shutdown triggered by Democrats blocking a budget agreement.

The Transportation Security Administration suspended congressional escort services at major airports one week into the partial government shutdown triggered by Democrats blocking a budget agreement.

TSA said the move allows officers to prioritize core security operations as the Department of Homeland Security faces staffing and funding constraints.

“We must focus our limited resources on protecting the traveling public,” an agency spokesperson said.

The suspension ends courtesy security escorts for lawmakers, requiring them to use standard screening procedures like other travelers while PreCheck remains operational.

Congressional escorts have historically allowed members to move through checkpoints more efficiently during official travel.

The shutdown has stretched DHS personnel and prompted internal adjustments to maintain airport operations nationwide.

Public reaction has been mixed, with some travelers applauding the decision and critics arguing it reflects broader budget gridlock in Washington.

The Transportation Security Administration suspended congressional escort services at major airports one week into the partial government shutdown triggered by Democrats blocking a budget agreement.

The Transportation Security Administration suspended congressional escort services at major airports one week into the partial government shutdown triggered by Democrats blocking a budget agreement.

TSA said the move allows officers to prioritize core security operations as the Department of Homeland Security faces staffing and funding constraints.

“We must focus our limited resources on protecting the traveling public,” an agency spokesperson said.

The suspension ends courtesy security escorts for lawmakers, requiring them to use standard screening procedures like other travelers while PreCheck remains operational.

Congressional escorts have historically allowed members to move through checkpoints more efficiently during official travel.

The shutdown has stretched DHS personnel and prompted internal adjustments to maintain airport operations nationwide.

Public reaction has been mixed, with some travelers applauding the decision and critics arguing it reflects broader budget gridlock in Washington.