A house RESOLUTION

 

To memorialize the members of the South Carolina Congressional delegation and the President of the United States to adopt a bipartisan solution that will allow TSA officers to get paid during the government shutdown and thereby allow the air travel industry to return to normal.

 

Whereas, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is a United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agency created in November 2001 following the September 9, 2001, terrorist attacks across our nation to manage security for transportation systems, particularly air travel. It oversees airport screening, baggage checks, and transportation security laws, employing uniformed officers to ensure safety; and

 

Whereas, TSA agents are federal employees who screen over 1.3 million checked bags daily. They also provide security for aviation, rail transit, highway, and port facilities. It is estimated TSA employs approximately 1,500 agents in this State; and

 

Whereas, since the partial federal government shutdown which began in mid-February, TSA agents have been required to work without full pay. This has resulted in many agents quitting while others have taken unscheduled time off, prompting air travel delays and headaches as winter storms have slammed the nation and spring break travelers try to fly; and

 

Whereas, in a letter dated March 15, 2026, the CEOs of several major airlines, including Delta, American, United, Southwest, and JetBlue, urged Congress to restore TSA funding and embrace a bipartisan solution to ensure federal aviation workers are paid during shutdowns. In the letter, the CEOs told Congress "It's difficult, if not impossible, to put food on the table, put gas in the car, and pay rent when you are not getting paid"; and

 

Whereas, South Carolinians are tired of the long lines at airports, travel delays, and flight cancellations caused by the current shutdown and support the airline CEOs' assessment of the current state of air travel. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, memorialize the members of the South Carolina Congressional delegation and the President of the United States to adopt a bipartisan solution that will allow TSA officers to get paid during the government shutdown and thereby allow the air travel industry to return to normal.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to each member of the South Carolina Congressional delegation and the President of the United States.

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