Nasty, but pretty funny; also well targeted

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Where’s (Senator) murphy?

Homeland Security suspends TSA PreCheck and Global Entry airport security programs

The US Department of Homeland Security is suspending the TSA PreCheck and Global Entry airport security programs as a partial government shutdown continues.

The programs are designed to help speed registered travelers through security lines. Suspending them could cause headaches for fliers.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in a statement that “shutdowns have serious real world consequences.”

She also said that “TSA and CBP are prioritizing the general traveling population at our airports and ports of entry and suspending courtesy and special privilege escorts.”

This is actually a common tactic in disputes like this. Public agencies embroiled in budget battles look for the most sensitive services to cut that will cause the most inconvenience and stir the loudest outcry; some years ago, for instance, during a budget dispute between our BET and the Greenwich police department, the chief ordered a temporary layoff of all school crossing guards “because we just don’t have the money”.

At the time, if memory serves, the retired old biddies were being paid six-bucks an hour; not enough to pay for one day’s toilet paper supply at headquarters, but more than sufficient to get the attention of the mommies of Greenwich — the situation was resolved to the police department’s satisfaction within just a day or two.

“Don’t you know who I am?”

The really smart part about Noem’s tactic is who it hits (aside from this infrequent flyer): the very Congressman responsible for the shutdown in the first place. I checked Google AI and confirmed this:


AI Overview

Yes, members of Congress generally must go through TSA security checks when flying commercially, just like all other passengers, as mandated by the

Aviation and Transportation Security Act (ATSA) of 2001. They do not have blanket exemptions from security screening.

While they are subject to standard, authorized screening procedures, some key details include:

  • Security Screenings: Members of Congress are not exempt from TSA airport security screenings.

  • Proposed Privileges: There have been proposals, such as those discussed in early 2024, to allow members of Congress to have expedited private screenings and police escorts, but these are not currently standard law.

  • Official Travel: Funds for travel are provided to members for official duties, but this does not exempt them from security regulations.