The recent government shutdown, which is now the third longest shut down, has been impacting the jobs of people all over the country. One of the jobs that people least expected is the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The TSA is responsible for the United States’ security of the traveling public and was created in response to the September 11th attacks. Due to the shutdown, TSA employees are not being paid. In response to this many of them are calling in ‘sick’ and not showing up to work.

“We understand that the current lapse in funding may be causing added stress for our workforce and want to continue to express that we are grateful to the more than 51,000 officers across the country who remain focused on the mission. #NotOnOurWatch,” said Michael Bilello, who is the TSA’s Asst. Administrator for Public Affairs.

Many of the employees don’t see why they should show up to work if they aren’t going to be paid. However, even though many employees are not showing up, there are still some who are. This has an effect on everyone. TSA employees are not receiving their paychecks, travelers are dealing with intense wait lines, and the airports themselves are having to form a response to travelers. With so many people who are impacted with the shutdown, people can only hope that it ends soon.