Lines at border control in Newark. Photo: AS photo family / Shutterstock Three major organizations in the US travel and aviation industry have issued a joint statement regarding the possibility of a shutdown by the US Department of Homeland Security. The statement was signed by the US Travel Association, Airlines for America, and the American Hotel & Lodging Association.
According to the statement, a delay in approving the dedicated budget for the industry could directly harm TSA operations, especially during the busy period at the start of the spring break season.
The organizations warn that unpaid work for essential security workers could lead to increased absenteeism, long wait times at security checkpoints, and flight disruptions.
The statement further emphasizes that budgetary uncertainty is causing widespread damage to the tourism system, including airlines, hotels, and thousands of small businesses that rely on passenger traffic, while undermining recruitment and retention, operational readiness, and modernization efforts.
The background to this is significant summer events expected in the US, including celebrations of the country's 250th anniversary of independence and the 2026 World Cup, which are expected to attract millions of visitors and generate billions of dollars in revenue.
Photo: SHUTTERSTOCKThe organizations are calling on Congress to act urgently to approve full funding for the TSA and to advance a permanent solution that would ensure the salaries of essential federal workers, even during periods of budget stagnation. Among the proposals on the table is the Keep America Flying Act, which aims to ensure continued pay for TSA officers and air traffic controllers during a government shutdown.