A former TSA administrator says long airport lines could persist even after the shutdown ends due to staffing challenges.
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Houston travelers are growing weary of long TSA lines and ongoing delays tied to a partial government shutdown—but even if the situation improves soon, experts warn a full recovery could take months, if not longer.
The disruption has already strained airport operations nationwide, including in Houston, where long wait times have frustrated travelers in recent weeks. Former TSA Administrator John Pistole told Chron the agency’s workforce is capable of adapting—but passengers may need to adjust their expectations.
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“The resiliency of the TSA workforce is remarkable,” he said. “But it may be people just adjusting to longer wait times. It’s just not going to be like it was in the past.”
Staffing losses compound the problem
Pistole said that staffing losses tied to repeated shutdowns are contributing to the challenge.
“It gets to the point where each TSA officer has to make a decision—can I rely on this job?” he said. “If you can’t buy food, pay for childcare or make rent, that becomes a problem.”
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Former TSA Administrator John Pistole told Chron the agency’s workforce is capable of adapting—but passengers may need to adjust their expectations.
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TSA Acting Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill echoed similar concerns in her opening testimony before Congress on Wednesday.
“Paying these dedicated employees should never be a point of debate, yet here we are on the 40th day of our third shutdown this fiscal year,” she said.
TSA typically sees about a seven percent annual attrition rate, but recent shutdowns have added to those losses and made it harder to recruit new workers.
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McNeill noted that the shutdown has also significantly decreased the number of interested new hire candidates.
“Who wants to apply for a job where you still expect to work, but you don’t get paid?” Pistole said.
Even as hiring efforts resume, recovery will take time due to training requirements.
“They are required to complete 4-6 months of training before they are certified to work at checkpoints,” McNeill told lawmakers, meaning full staffing could lag “until well after the 2026 FIFA World Cup,” McNeil said.
“This fiscal year, TSA has been shutdown for 50% of the time, or 85 days. And, if still shutdown this Friday, we will have reached nearly $1 billion in missed paychecks.”
WATCH: Acting Administrator McNeill’s opening testimony ⬇️⬇️⬇️ pic.twitter.com/7WHSFNwNCI
— TSA (@TSA) March 25, 2026
Houston faces a critical travel test
That slow recovery timeline raises concerns as Houston prepares to host matches during the 2026 World Cup, when millions of visitors are expected to travel through the region. Pistole said even if the shutdown ends soon, the effects could linger.
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“I believe it’s going to be difficult,” he said. “It may be a new paradigm.”
He said ongoing uncertainty could also push more employees to look for other jobs, further slowing recovery.
“There are many current employees who are looking for other work,” he said. “That may be part of the callouts as well.”
A former TSA administrator says long airport lines could persist even after the shutdown ends due to staffing challenges.
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At the same time, some airports have brought in Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to help manage crowds and direct passengers, but Pistole said their role is limited.
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“They’re not helping with the security screening of passengers or baggage,” he said. “They don’t have the training or expertise.”
Looking ahead
The shutdown may force TSA to consider closing some airports until funding resumes. But as lawmakers debate solutions, Pistole noted the coming weeks will be critical in determining how quickly TSA can stabilize operations.
“When it’s all said and done, that will be a good indicator of what the future looks like,” he said.
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For now, travelers may need to continue planning accordingly.
“Get there early,” Pistole said. “There’s no guarantees.”