The TSA needs funding now, Congress

Air travel already causes enough headaches.

But now, it's becoming a nightmare just to get to the gate.

Passengers at airports across the country are experiencing massive wait times to get through security, amid Transportation Security Administration staffing shortages. Lines stretch through the terminals and even outside, lasting for hours and, in some cases, causing people to miss their flights. Beyond the mounting frustration and annoyance, the economic and security risks could be enormous.

At the root of the current upheaval is the partial government shutdown, as the Department of Homeland Security hasn't been fully funded since last month. Democratic lawmakers first blocked that funding to force changes to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement after federal agents killed two citizens in Minneapolis. Since then, Republican lawmakers have rejected attempts to fund the rest of the mammoth agency, including the TSA, saying ICE must be included as well. 

The political quagmire leaves TSA workers without pay. They missed their first full paycheck last week. Hundreds have quit and thousands more aren't showing up to their security posts, as they turn to second jobs or gig work to fill in the gap. It all comes as the cost of flying rises, thanks in part to the increasing price of oil — and therefore jet fuel — because of the war with Iran.

It's just a matter of time before the bad situation worsens, to the point where smaller airports could temporarily close, acting Deputy TSA Administrator Adam Stahl warned. Beyond the personal financial impact on TSA employees, the broader economic fallout will grow, as air travel-dependent individuals, businesses and industries suffer. And it's not hyperbolic to suggest that the potential for safety shortcomings without a fully staffed TSA is real.

There's plenty of blame to go around. Now, Congress must clean up their mess. That likely means either fully funding DHS as a whole, recognizing that the situation has calmed after former Secretary Kristi Noem's firing, or funding the arms that need the money most, including TSA. Both parties have to prioritize the nation's air travelers and its economy over their own political strategies.

But the events of the last several weeks also highlight the need for a larger rethinking of the massive bureaucracy that falls under DHS, with specific attention to the future of the TSA. This is an area too important for Congress to hold hostage in irrelevant budget negotiations or other party-driven fights. Much has changed since the TSA was created in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. With vastly different technology, and new ways to identify those who are and aren't threats, it's worth examining whether there are better ways to streamline or shift travel security protocol, personnel and oversight so the system works better, keeps us safe — and cannot be felled by power struggles and theatrics.

Until then, Congress must fund the TSA to keep us flying safely.