The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced a temporary suspension of its TSA PreCheck and Global Entry trusted traveler programs amid a continuing partial government shutdown that has left much of the agency without funding.
Beginning early Sunday in Eastern Time, DHS will pause both programs — which together serve tens of millions of enrolled travelers — as part of emergency actions to reallocate staffing and resources due to the funding impasse in Congress.
TSA PreCheck lets pre-vetted passengers use expedited security lanes at U.S. airports, while Global Entry speeds customs clearance for low-risk international arrivals. Their suspension is expected to lead to longer lines and slower travel experiences for many flyers.
Major U.S. airlines have criticized the abrupt notice and urged lawmakers to resolve the shutdown quickly to prevent further disruption. DHS says it is prioritizing the general traveling public and making necessary workforce decisions under constrained resources.
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