FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Long TSA lines formed at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport on Saturday as staffing shortages tied to the partial government shutdown slowed security checkpoints.
At Terminal 1, the TSA line stretched outside the building as passengers waited to get through security.
The delays come as many federal workers under the Department of Homeland Security -- including officers with the Transportation Security Administration -- continue working without pay during the shutdown.
“They actually need to be paid,” said traveler Helen Samuels from Chicago. “If they come to work they should get their full pay because they have families too. If the government is not hungry, why should the people working be hungry?”
Some travelers said the ongoing shutdown is unfair to TSA workers.
“I think it’s terrible that people have to work without being paid,” said Heather Exner, who was flying to Wisconsin. “I don’t understand why the government shutdown. What do we pay taxes for? Get to work. I have to work.”
Officials say the shutdown has already led hundreds of TSA agents to leave their jobs nationwide.
Meanwhile, airport officials said United Way of Broward County is partnering with Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport on a food drive to help TSA workers impacted by the shutdown.
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