TSA Confirms PreCheck Service Continues Uninterrupted Despite Shutdown Confusion

NEW YORK — The Transportation Security Administration announced on Sunday that its PreCheck service will continue to function, despite a previous statement from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security suggesting the program was halted due to the partial government shutdown.

“TSA will assess staffing situations as they occur and make necessary operational adjustments,” the agency stated.

There remains uncertainty regarding the status of Global Entry, another airport service. Both PreCheck and Global Entry facilitate quicker security processing for registered travelers, and any suspensions could lead to significant inconvenience and delays.

This disruption stems from a partial government shutdown that commenced on February 14, following unsuccessful negotiations between Democrats and the White House over funding for the Department of Homeland Security. The impasse is largely due to Democratic demands for changes in immigration policies central to President Donald Trump’s deportation initiatives.

Please note that the video above is from a previous update.

Homeland Security previously said it was taking “emergency measures to preserve limited funds.” Among the steps listed were “ending Transportation Security Administration (TSA) PreCheck lanes and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Global Entry service, to refocus Department personnel on the majority of travelers.”

Secretary Kristi Noem said in a statement on Saturday night that “shutdowns have serious real world consequences.”

One group of fliers will definitely be affected, according to TSA.

“Courtesy escorts, such as those for Members of Congress, have been suspended to allow officers to focus on the mission of securing America’s skies,” the agency said.

Airlines for America, a trade group representing major carriers, said Saturday night that “it’s past time for Congress to get to the table and get a deal done.” It also criticized the announcement by saying it was “issued with extremely short notice to travelers, giving them little time to plan accordingly.”

Democrats on the House Committee on Homeland Security criticized Homeland Security handling of airport security after the initial announcement on Saturday night. They accused the administration of “kneecapping the programs that make travel smoother and secure.”

Sen. Andy Kim, a New Jersey Democrat, said Noem’s actions are part of an administration strategy to distract from other issues and shift responsibility.

“This administration is trying to weaponize our government, trying to make things intentionally more difficult for the American people as a political leverage,” he told CNN on Sunday. “And the American people see that.”