Senate votes to fund DHS, long lines continue at Atlanta airport
Senate agrees to fund DHS, TSA wait times continue
Lawmakers have reached a deal to fund the Department of Homeland Security, which is responsible for paying TSA workers at airports around the country. However, long waits continued on Friday morning at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
ATLANTA - The U.S. Senate reached a deal early Friday morning to fund most of the Department of Homeland Security, potentially ending a standoff that has caused missed paychecks for airport security workers and grueling lines for travelers.
What we know:
The Senate agreed by unanimous consent shortly after 2 a.m. to approve legislation that funds all the Department of Homeland Security through the end of the fiscal year, with the exception of ICE and parts of Customs and Border Protection. The measure now moves to the House. The latest plan came after Senate Democrats blocked a 7th attempt to reopen DHS. If approved, it will provide critical funding for the Coast Guard, FEMA, and the TSA.
Despite the overnight progress in Washington, TSA workers are expected to miss another paycheck today. This lack of pay has led to increased call-outs, directly impacting operations at major hubs like Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
Travelers face long Hartsfield-Jackson lines
Local perspective:
In Atlanta, the impact of the funding delay is visible at the sidewalk. Lines for TSA PreCheck at Hartsfield-Jackson stretched outside the building during the early morning hours on Friday. Travelers reported waiting approximately 50 minutes just to reach the security checkpoints.
Airport officials are currently encouraging all passengers—both domestic and international—to arrive at least four hours before their scheduled flights to account for the staffing shortages. While lines typically begin to lighten around 7 a.m., the early morning rush remains a significant hurdle for Georgia travelers.
Uncertainty remains for federal workers
What we don't know:
While the Senate has moved forward, it remains unclear when the House will vote on the measure or if it will pass without further amendments. Additionally, the exact timeline for when TSA and FEMA employees will receive their back pay remains unconfirmed, leaving thousands of federal workers in financial limbo for at least one more pay cycle.
Frequent flyers surprised by delays
What they're saying:
Frequent travelers, accustomed to faster transit times in Atlanta, expressed frustration to FOX 5 Atlanta on Friday morning with the sudden surge in wait times.