NEWARK, NJ – As New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill deals with New Jersey Transit delays statewide, a new travel nightmare is taking shape under the leadership of state Democrats in Congress.
A lapse in Department of Homeland Security funding has forced thousands of Transportation Security Administration officers at Newark Liberty International Airport and other major hubs across New York and New Jersey to work without pay, sparking mounting frustration among employees and travelers.
The shutdown, being pushed by Democrats in New Jersey is leading to delays and inconveniences for travelers. Worse, it means those workers at Newark Airport are working without pay until the shut down is complete.
Scenes from Newark airport show closed boarding gates and long lines.
As of mid-February 2026, the partial shutdown has created ripple effects across key airports including Newark (EWR), JFK, and LaGuardia. Flights continue to operate, but passengers are already seeing the early signs of strain—longer security lines, limited staffing, and sporadic delays.
Federal officials confirmed that roughly 95% of TSA agents remain on duty as “essential employees,” meaning they are legally required to report to work even though paychecks have stopped. Some staff have begun picking up second jobs to make ends meet, echoing the struggles seen during the 2019 federal shutdown.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has warned that extended funding lapses could lead to “severe operating challenges,” particularly at high-volume airports such as Newark. Travelers may face slower security screening, increased wait times, and possible terminal congestion if absentee rates climb.
Political blame game erupts as workers feel the pinch
The funding lapse, described by officials as a DHS-specific shutdown, has ignited political controversy. Mike Crispi, chairman of America First NJ, sharply criticized Governor Mikie Sherrill, writing on X, “Newark airport is a massive transit hub for millions of local residents. The Democrat shutdown of DHS, which is purely performative as it doesn’t even impact ICE, is causing massive sections of our airport to be shut down. Sherrill supports this.”
Meanwhile, TSA leadership has urged patience, assuring employees that pay will be restored retroactively once funding resumes. The FAA, which operates under the Department of Transportation, remains funded, ensuring that air traffic controllers continue to receive paychecks—preventing the kind of large-scale flight cancellations that crippled airports in past shutdowns.
- Around 95% of TSA agents are working without pay
- Travelers at Newark Airport and other hubs face longer lines
- FAA operations remain funded, limiting major flight disruptions
Still, aviation analysts warn that morale among unpaid federal security staff could deteriorate quickly, particularly if the shutdown drags into March.
Past shutdowns offer warning signs
During the 2019 federal government shutdown, hundreds of TSA officers at Newark called out sick, leading to checkpoint closures and hours-long delays. Officials fear a similar pattern could repeat if workers’ financial stress grows.
Passengers are being advised to arrive early for all flights departing from New York and New Jersey airports until the situation is resolved.
Related topics: TSA | Newark Airport | Department of Homeland Security