\n The Department of Homeland Security is temporarily halting TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, two of the most widely used trusted-traveler programs in the United States, amid a partial government shutdown.\n <\/p>\n
\n DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said in a statement to CNN the Transportation Security Administration and Customs and Border Patrol \u201care focusing on the general traveling public at our airports and ports of entry.\u201d\n <\/p>\n
\n \u201cShutdowns have serious real-world consequences, not just for the men and women of DHS and their families who go without a paycheck, but it endangers our national security,\u201d the statement added. The Washington Post first reported<\/a> on the measures.\n <\/p>\n \n The move marks a significant escalation in how the DHS shutdown is impacting travelers, effectively dismantling expedited airport security lanes and fast\u2011track customs processing relied on by millions of frequent flyers who are US citizens or legal permanent residents as well as international passengers from more than 20 countries<\/a>.\n <\/p>\n \n The suspension comes during a partial government shutdown affecting only the Department of Homeland Security, after Congress failed to reach a funding agreement<\/a> amid a standoff over immigration enforcement policy.\n <\/p>\n \n Democrats have pushed for new restrictions on agencies including Immigration and Customs Enforcement and CBP after the fatal shooting of two US citizens by federal officers in Minneapolis earlier this year. Republicans have largely opposed the proposed changes, while pressing Democrats to agree to measures such as stricter enforcement against so\u2011called sanctuary cities.\n <\/p>\n \n DHS also said it is suspending all courtesy and family escorts at airports for members of Congress, saying that service \u201cis drawing staff away from the critical mission of getting passengers screened.\u201d\n <\/p>\n \n Meanwhile, DHS employees deemed essential, including an estimated 63,000<\/a> TSA agents, have continued working without pay<\/a>.\n <\/p>\n \n \u201cThe American people depend on this department every day, and we are making tough but necessary workforce and resource decisions to mitigate the damage inflicted by these politicians,\u201d Noem added in the statement.\n <\/p>\n \n Democrats on the House Homeland Security Committee have condemned on social media<\/a> the move to suspend these programs, accusing DHS\u2019 leadership of \u201cpunishing travelers\u201d and \u201cruining your travel on purpose.\u201d\n <\/p>\n \n DHS has not responded so far to further requests for details on when these changes are taking effect. As of Sunday morning, travelers were still able to pass through lines servicing both TSA PreCheck and Global Entry at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Dulles Airport near Washington, DC.\n <\/p>\n \n US Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman said in a statement his organization was \u201cdisgusted\u201d that \u201cDemocrats and Republicans have used air traffic controllers, TSA, CBP and the entire travel experience as a means to achieve political ends.\u201d\n <\/p>\n \n \u201cTravelers should be prioritized, not leveraged,\u201d Freeman wrote. \u201cTravel is the gateway to the American economy and Americans should not have their mobility, security or travel experience diminished because elected leaders fail to resolve their differences.\u201d\n <\/p>\n \n Airlines for America President and CEO Chris Sununu said the programs were being \u201cused as a political football amid another government shutdown,\u201d adding that \u201cthe announcement was issued with extremely short notice to travelers, giving them little time to plan accordingly(.)\u201d\n <\/p>\n \n The suspension of TSA PreCheck lanes at US airports would require enrolled travelers to use standard security screening. It\u2019s uncertain how international passengers returning or entering the US through Global Entry will be impacted as most of this process is done at automated kiosks. The eventual disruptions are likely to increase wait times at customs and passport control.\n <\/p>\n \n CNN has also reached out to the three TSA PreCheck providers processing enrollments as their websites still seem to be accepting applications.\n <\/p>\n \n TSA PreCheck, which costs between $76.75 and $85 for a five\u2011year membership, surpassed 20 million active members in 2024, according to TSA<\/a>.\n <\/p>\n \n More than 12 million travelers are enrolled in Global Entry, according to CBP.<\/a> The program charges a $120 application fee, also for a five-year membership.\n <\/p>\n \n Together, DHS trusted-traveler programs cover more than 40 million vetted airline passengers, according to TSA.\n <\/p>\n \n While previous government shutdowns disrupted enrollment operations and led to longer airport lines, TSA PreCheck lanes and Global Entry kiosks remained open. The current DHS plan would mark the first known nationwide suspension of the programs\u2019 benefits during a shutdown.\n <\/p>\n