Because contractors' pay comes from a federal contract, it often continues even when the government shuts down. “The money’s already been allocated, the payments have already been made, and that

A partial shutdown affecting the Transportation Security Administration is causing long airport lines and flight delays across the U.S.

By David Shepardson WASHINGTON, March 12 (Reuters) - Senators from both parties failed on Thursday in competing efforts to fund the U.S. Transportation Security Administration as concerns about long airport security lines disrupting flights rise and Republicans and Democrats point fingers at each other.

Travelers are being warned about bottlenecks at airport security checkpoints as the TSA shutdown drags on and the federal screening officers miss paychecks.

The hourslong security lines at a handful of U.S. airports this week highlight the potential problems when a government shutdown coincides with the busy spring break travel season.

Global Entry allows pre-approved, low-risk travelers to use expedited kiosks — for a fee — when entering the United States from abroad, saving them time at airports and other ports of entry.

Sen. Chuck Grassley said the dispute partly at the center of the dispute between DHS and its inspector general concerns undercover testing of TSA screening procedures.

As the government shutdown continues, some airport security screeners remain paid due to a federal contracting program. The situation highlights ongoing debates over privatization in aviation security.

Travelers are expected to continue facing long waiting lines at several U.S. airports amid an ongoing partial government shutdown.