Some Transportation Security Administration employees who worked through the six-week federal shutdown without pay have begun receiving $10,000 bonus checks, according to US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. The payments follow days of public discussion about recognizing air traffic controllers' service during the shutdown.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) reversed its decision to suspend PreCheck operations hours after announcing the move during a partial government shutdown. The agency stated that PreCheck would continue operating with no change for travelers, citing staffing constraints as a factor in potential adjustments.
The TSA has announced a significant update to its identity verification process at airport security checkpoints. Beginning February 1, 2026, travelers arriving without REAL ID-compliant identification will be directed to a new paid service called TSA Confirm.
The US Department of Homeland Security is proceeding with plans to terminate the collective bargaining agreement covering Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers, despite a federal court order blocking an earlier attempt. The decision sets up a new legal battle over collective bargaining rights for front-line airport screeners at a time when Congress is trying to restore broader protections for federal workers.