The U.S. Travel Association is urging Congress to act this week to avoid an impending funding lapse for critical Department of Homeland Security personnel that threatens to snarl travel ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
More than 1,100 TSA officers have quit their posts since the partial government shutdown began in mid-February and funds opened up through an emergency executive order signed by President Trump to pay airport security workers in late-March are set to dry up in the coming days.
"Funding for the Department of Homeland Security is set to expire in days, and the House is preparing to leave town without fixing a crisis of its own making. If the House walks away tomorrow, frontline DHS personnel will once again miss paychecks—undermining the very systems that protect Americans and keep our travel economy moving," U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman said in a statement.
Freeman warned that the lengthy security lines that made headlines during the spring break travel period are poised to return if lawmakers fail to reach a deal.
"Let’s be clear about what’s actually at stake. This isn’t just about longer TSA lines—though travelers should expect them," he added. "This is about public safety, national security and World Cup readiness."
Travelers wait in TSA security line at Orlando International Airport (Photo Credit: Eric Bowman)
"More than 1,100 TSA officers have already walked out the door. Critical technology deployments tied to World Cup preparation are now in doubt. Unpaid personnel at Customs and Border Protection, the Secret Service, cybersecurity and FEMA are being stretched dangerously thin," Freeman continued.
"We are 44 days from the largest sporting event in American history and Washington is failing the American people. Enough. The stakes for our economy, our safety, and our standing in the world are too high for this to continue. Congress must fund DHS now—before they leave town."
The World Cup, which kicks off June 11, will be held across the U.S., Mexico and Canada, with the U.S. hosting a bulk of the matches in 11 different cities.
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