DHS suspending TSA PreCheck, Global Entry programs amid partial shutdown
CBSN
Some flyers could soon experience longer lines at U.S. airports after the Department of Homeland Security on Saturday confirmed it would suspend the Transportation Security Administration's PreCheck and Global Entry programs as the agency contends with a partial shutdown that has entered its second week. Caitlin Yilek and Kathryn Watson contributed to this report. In:
Some flyers could soon experience longer lines at U.S. airports after the Department of Homeland Security on Saturday confirmed it would suspend the Transportation Security Administration's PreCheck and Global Entry programs as the agency contends with a partial shutdown that has entered its second week.
In a statement provided to CBS News late Saturday night, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said that TSA and Customs and Border Protection "are prioritizing the general traveling population at our airports and ports of entry and suspending courtesy and special privilege escorts."
The partial shutdown took effect on Feb. 14 after lawmakers failed to reach a deal on DHS funding over opposition from Democrats who demanded changes to the agency in the wake of the deadly shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, Minnesota, last month by federal immigration agents.
Along with the TSA, the partial shutdown is impacting the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Coast Guard, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency and other agencies within DHS that safeguard national security. About 13% of the total federal civilian workforce is implicated.
The move drew criticism from Democratic Rep. Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, ranking member of the Committee on Homeland Security.

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