The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) partially reversed a suspension of TSA PreCheck on Sunday, following a backlash from travel groups. The program, which allows expedited security screening for 20 million enrolled users, was initially halted due to staffing shortages caused by the partial government shutdown.
However, a DHS official told the Washington Post that Global Entry, a similar program for international travellers with over 10 million users, would remain suspended. The reversal came after conversations between DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, the White House, and the TSA.
Travel industry leaders criticised the initial suspension. Airlines for America CEO Chris Sununu said the public was being used as a 'political football', while US Travel Association head Geoff Freeman called it 'a crisis of its own making'. Freeman urged the reinstatement of Global Entry, noting both programmes are funded by user fees.
The partial 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 intentionally.
Senator Andy Kim of New Jersey said the administration was 'weaponizing government' to create difficulties for political leverage. A similar shutdown last year caused over $6 billion in losses across the travel industry.
