More long lines filled up the open checkpoints at Philadelphia International Airport on Sunday as the longest government shutdown in U.S. history entered its 44th day.
Although the shutdown only impacts the Department of Homeland Security, it has not gone unnoticed. TSA workers have not been receiving paychecks, and staff shortages have lead to extra long lines at PHL and across the country.
“It’s just been so sad to see so many airports so packed. So, so packed,” said Maria Cantu, who was at PHL to travel to Texas on Sunday.
For many families, this week is spring break, which is typically a time when people take long-planned vacations that include air travel.
“I just gotta make time and get informed,” said Jessica Ortega, who was also traveling to Texas. “Make sure that if I’m traveling, I know what’s going on so I can be there on time. Our flight doesn’t get out for another two hours and a half, so we were kind of expecting to be here earlier.”
The partial government shutdown is due to a fight in Congress over ICE tactics, with Democrats hoping to reign in the agency after the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis.
After Congress failed to reach a deal before a two-week vacation on Friday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to pay TSA workers as the shutdown continues.
“Oh, thank the Lord! Ok, that’s good. That’s good,” Cantu said of the action.
The Trump administration has also deployed ICE agents, who are still being paid amid the shutdown due to a previously passed bill, to airports to help with airport security.
To check TSA lines, download the MyTSA app, where you can also see which checkpoints are open. On Sunday, checkpoints at terminals A-West, C and F were closed at PHL.
As for Congress, the Senate is not expected to return to D.C. until April 13, and the House will not return until April 14.