TSA says PreCheck still operational after announcement of suspension

"The Transportation Security Administration said Sunday that its PreCheck program would remain operational despite an announcement from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that the airport security service was being suspended during the partial government shutdown. As staffing constraints arise, TSA will evaluate on a case-by-case basis and adjust operations accordingly, the agency said. It was not immediately clear whether Global Entry, another airport service, would be affected."

"PreCheck and Global Entry are designed to help speed registered travelers through security lines, and suspensions would likely cause headaches and delays. The turmoil is tied to a partial government shutdown that began Feb. 14 after Democrats and the White House were unable to reach a deal on legislation to fund the Department of Homeland Security. Democrats have been demanding changes to immigration operations that are core to President Donald Trump's deportation campaign."

"Homeland Security previously said it was taking emergency measures to preserve limited funds. Among the steps listed were ending Transportation Security Administration (TSA) PreCheck lanes and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Global Entry service, to refocus Department personnel on the majority of travelers. Secretary Kristi Noem said in a statement on Saturday night that shutdowns have serious real world consequences."

TSA said PreCheck will remain operational despite a Department of Homeland Security announcement to suspend the program during the partial government shutdown. The agency said it will evaluate staffing constraints case-by-case and adjust operations accordingly. It was not immediately clear whether Global Entry would be affected. PreCheck and Global Entry speed registered travelers through security lines, and suspensions would likely cause delays. The shutdown began Feb. 14 after lawmakers failed to fund DHS amid disputes over immigration policy. Homeland Security listed emergency measures including ending PreCheck lanes and CBP Global Entry to refocus personnel. Courtesy escorts have been suspended, and airlines criticized short notice.

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