The Department of Homeland Security partially reversed a suspension of the TSA PreCheck programme on Sunday, but a DHS official confirmed that Global Entry would remain halted amid the ongoing partial government shutdown. The reversal followed discussions between DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, the White House, and the Transportation Security Administration.
TSA PreCheck, which has approximately 20 million enrolled users, was restored after air transport groups voiced strong opposition. However, Global Entry, used by over 10 million pre-approved international travellers, including US citizens and green card holders, remains suspended. The DHS official told the Washington Post the decision was based on conversations with the White House and TSA.
Industry leaders criticised the initial suspension. Chris Sununu, president of Airlines for America, said the travelling public was being used as a "political football" and noted the short notice given to travellers. Geoff Freeman of the US Travel Association accused lawmakers of putting politics first, calling it "disgraceful for travel to be used as leverage". After the PreCheck reversal, Freeman urged the same for Global Entry, emphasising that the programmes are funded by user fees.
The partial government shutdown began on 14 February after Democrats and the White House failed to agree on funding for DHS, with Democrats demanding changes to immigration enforcement. Democrats on the House homeland security committee accused the administration of "kneecapping" travel programmes. Senator Andy Kim said the administration was "trying to weaponize our government" to create political leverage.
A similar shutdown last year caused over $6bn in losses across the travel industry. The suspension of Global Entry, combined with a blizzard in the north-east, threatened to cause significant disruption for travellers.
