TSA lines shorten at airports but uncertainty lingers as workers begin to get back pay

TSA security lines shortened at airports nationwide Monday as officers began receiving back pay following President Trump's executive order. The temporary improvement comes as the Department of Homeland Security faces ongoing funding uncertainty, with Congress in recess and no appropriations bill yet passed. TSA workers had faced extended wait times and operational strain during the funding lapse, making the back pay distribution a critical morale boost. The agency's near-term operations remain contingent on Congress returning from recess and passing a spending measure. Without permanent funding authorization, further disruptions to airport security operations remain possible.