ORLANDO, Fla. – As the federal government shutdown continues, thousands of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers across the country are feeling the financial squeeze of missed paychecks.
At Orlando International Airport, the hustle and bustle continues as travelers move through security lines — but for many TSA employees, each shift brings growing uncertainty. They’re showing up to work, even though their paychecks have stopped.
“Knowing on Friday I didn’t get a check is when it starts to hit,” said Walter Penn, a Transportation Security Officer in Orlando.
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Penn says the shutdown has created a serious financial strain for him and his coworkers.
“It’s been pretty straining,” he said. “You have to worry about your rent, worry about things like car insurance.”
Across the country, TSA officers are considered essential federal employees, which means they are still required to report for duty — even without pay.
For Penn, that reality adds up quickly to even the simple things. “Even the small things, like gas to come to work — and we’re still expected to be here on time,” he said.
When asked why he continues to show up to work, Penn says it comes down to commitment.
“I have a commitment to keeping these people safe when they travel,” he said.
But beyond the financial burden lies emotional exhaustion.
“You can be at the checkpoint and passengers come with their entitlement — they don’t care that you’re not getting paid,” Penn explained.
He hopes that lawmakers will reach an agreement soon so that workers like him can receive back pay and return to a sense of stability.
“That’s a big challenge,” Penn said. “Because if we’re here working for free, that’s not going to work at all.”
Despite the growing pressure, Penn remains has one message for lawmakers when it comes to the shutdown.
“Please get it together,” he urged lawmakers. “Figure this out so we can get back to our normal lives and keep the public safe.”
Penn and his coworkers remain hopeful that paychecks will arrive soon, allowing them to continue caring for their families while keeping the traveling public secure.
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