Temporary funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) expired at midnight last Friday, causing the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to initiate government shutdown protocols. Under current DHS procedures, approximately 95% of TSA employees and 93% of CBP employees will work without pay during the lapse in appropriations. Some essential employees will begin feeling the impact with a partial paycheck as early as February 21, according to the American Federation of Government Workers.
Both chambers of Congress adjourned late last week for the President’s Day recess without an agreement on immigration enforcement reforms, which stalled the FY 2026 DHS Appropriations Bill in late January and a temporary funding extension last Thursday in the Senate. As negotiations continue between Congressional Democrats, Republicans, and the White House, House Speaker Mike Johnson put his chamber on call to reconvene within 48 hours of an agreement.
NATA expects TSA and CBP impacts for aviation businesses to be similar to those of the recent shutdown of October/November 2025. Please share any negative impacts with the NATA Team, so we can assist your operation and advocate for swift restoration of aviation security funding.