Why is DHS suspending TSA PreCheck?

A funding lapse forced trusted‑traveler programs offline

The Department of Homeland Security announced it would pause TSA PreCheck and Global Entry amid a partial government shutdown driven by a funding impasse. Those programs rely on active staffing and operational budgets at multiple agencies; with parts of the department operating under a funding shortfall, officials said they could not continue the expedited services.

Travelers should expect longer security lines at airports and slower processing at some land and sea ports of entry while the suspension is in effect. Airlines and airport authorities prepared for increased screening demand, and some carriers issued travel advisories and waived change fees as the disruption unfolded.

What to watch:

• Passenger impact: Frequent flyers who rely on faster checkpoints will likely face standard screening queues, potentially adding significant time for connections and preflight procedures.
• Operational strain: Airports and TSA will need to reallocate limited on‑duty staff to cover basic security functions, increasing pressure during peak travel periods.
• Political reaction: Lawmakers and transportation stakeholders quickly framed the move in partisan terms, with some lawmakers criticizing the department’s decision and others pointing to the shutdown as the underlying cause.

It remains unclear how long the suspension will last; restoration depends on funding resumption or a targeted funding workaround. For travelers, the practical takeaway is to build extra time into airport plans and monitor official updates from airlines and the Department of Homeland Security.