HOUSTON – More than half of the TSA agents scheduled to work at Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) on Saturday didn’t show up for work.
The Department of Homeland Security tells NBC News that Hobby Airport had a 55% callout rate on Saturday. TSA agents continue to stop showing up for work as a Department of Homeland Security federal funding lapse enters its second month.
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The result is long wait times for security screening, missed flights and a growing debate.
“Austin this morning was particularly problematic... security, of course, is unimpacted in terms of the security system, but things will continue to worsen in terms of impact to wait times,” Acting TSA Administrator Adam Stahl told NBC News.
Good morning, travelers.
— Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (@AustinAirport) March 16, 2026
Here is a 4:30 am view of the general security line for Checkpoint 1.
We’re expecting a record-breaking volume of people — there are about 38k of you flying out today. Please arrive at least 2.5 hours prior to your flight’s departure for domestic. pic.twitter.com/4BSomFYRXz
Just a week ago, Houston was home to the long lines that made headlines.
According to NBC News, Houston, New Orleans and Atlanta are where most of the concentrated rate of “hotspots” have occurred since the shutdown began.
The damage may be long lasting, too. At least 366 TSA officers have quit their jobs in the last month, a DHS spokesperson told NBC News. It takes roughly four to six months to train new officers, the department said.
As the federal funding lapse entered the second month on March 13, it also marked the first full paycheck missed by TSA workers.
Many agents continue to work without pay, which they will receive once funding is restored. But agents like Njukia Njukia needs money now.
“This is a financial crisis I’ve lived through multiple times,” Njukia told KPRC 2’s Joy Addison. “It’s the insecurity about when the shutdown is going to end… and when I will be paid again. The stress is real."
The holdup is between Republican and Democratic lawmakers who are feuding on Capitol Hill about the Department of Homeland Security spending. Much of the debate hangs on Democrats demanding reform to Immigration and Customers Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection before they sign off on a new spending deal.
Arguments went public outside of the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport today.
Report Dylan McKim with NBC-affiliate KXAN-TV in Austin captured a brief spat of words between Sen. John Cornyn (R) and Rep. Greg Casar (D).
.@JohnCornyn was scheduled to drop off Whataburger to TSA agents at Austin's airport and speak to the media about funding @DHSgov
— Dylan McKim KXAN-AUSTIN (@DylMcK14) March 16, 2026
Right before he arrived, @GregCasar showed up and started speaking to media as Cornyn pulled up with burgers and fries.
Here's what the two said: pic.twitter.com/DaUtTr1bsT
“I’m confused as to why Senator Cornyn would be here having a press conference at the airport about funding TSA, when it is him that has blocked the funding,” Casar said in the recording captured by KXAN.
Cornyn, who was dropping off Whataburger to working TSA agents, responded, “Why don’t you tell your Democrats to vote to pay these poor people?”
The two reportedly then got on the same flight to Washington, D.C. after the exchange of words.
All of this is transpiring as Houston is seeing a spike in tourism with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, World Baseball Classic and Spring Break.
The Houston Airport System forecast 2.2 million passengers will fly through both Hobby Airport and George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH).