Smaller Airports at Risk Amidst Government Shutdown
A senior Trump administration official warns that the ongoing government shutdown could lead to the closure of smaller airports due to a shortage of security personnel. With 50,000 TSA officers working without pay, an increase in absenteeism could force shutdowns if the situation persists.
- Country:
- United States
A senior official from the Trump administration sounded the alarm on Tuesday about the potential shutdown of smaller airports due to prolonged government funding standoffs. The lack of security personnel is becoming increasingly concerning as the impasse drags on.
The partial government shutdown has already resulted in 50,000 Transportation Security Administration airport security officers working without pay for the past month. On Sunday, an alarming 10% of these workers did not report for duty, exacerbating the situation.
Acting Deputy TSA Administrator Adam Stahl stressed the urgency of the matter to Fox News, stating, "As the weeks continue, if this continues it's not hyperbole to suggest that we may have to quite literally shut down airports -- particularly smaller ones if callout rates go up."
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