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PreCheck and Global Entry pause
The Department of Homeland Security announced it will temporarily suspend TSA PreCheck and Global Entry beginning Sunday at 6 a.m. ET as a partial DHS funding lapse continues after Congress failed to pass a spending bill.
“The Department of Homeland Security will suspend TSA PreCheck and Global Entry starting Sunday at 6 a.m. EST as a partial government shutdown continues into its sixth day.”
Multiple outlets and a DHS spokesperson described the suspension as starting Sunday at 6 a.m. ET.
The pause is framed as a reallocation of limited staff so TSA and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) can "focus on the general traveling public" and suspend courtesy and special‑privilege escorts.
DHS gave no timeline for when the programs will be restored.
Trusted-traveler suspension
The suspension halts expedited security lanes and fast-track customs processing used by millions of vetted travelers.
Outlets report PreCheck membership and overall trusted-traveler usage are in the tens of millions.
Sources disagree on enrollment figures: PreCheck is cited as over 20 million members, Global Entry is reported in the millions, and some outlets say there are more than 40 million vetted travelers across programs.
Staffing counts are reported around 61,000–63,000 essential TSA employees working without pay.
Responses to DHS suspension
Political debate quickly followed the announcement.
“DHS Secretary Kristi Noem blamed Democrats for the shutdown, saying it harms DHS employees, endangers national security and forces “tough but necessary” workforce and resource cuts.”
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem blamed Democrats for the funding impasse in several reports.
Democrats and members of the House Homeland Security Committee called the suspension 'punishing travelers' and accused the administration of politically motivated operational choices.
Some outlets trace the shutdown to a standoff over immigration-policy demands.
Other outlets include additional context about why Democrats withheld DHS funding.
Travel industry warnings
Airlines, airports and travel‑industry groups warned of immediate passenger disruption.
DHS directed FEMA to pause non‑disaster deployments so it can concentrate on declared disasters, steps that industry groups say could drive longer lines and economic costs if sustained.
Several outlets reported that airlines and trade groups criticized the short notice and urged Congress to reach a funding deal, while DHS and the administration say the moves reassign scarce staff to core checkpoint and disaster‑response duties.
Media coverage and core facts
Mainstream U.S. outlets and travel-industry sources report the operational facts and emphasize traveler impact and historical oddity.
“The move halts expedited security lanes and fast‑track customs processing used by millions of U.S. citizens, permanent residents and international travelers from more than 20 countries, likely increasing airport security and customs wait times.”
International and regional outlets stress staffing numbers and worker hardship.
Other outlets provide political context or additional background about the funding dispute.
Readers should note that the core facts — suspension at 6 a.m. ET Sunday; a priority shift to general travelers; and suspension of courtesy escorts — are consistent.
Sources diverge on emphasis, background details and exact program counts.