The Department of Homeland Security reversed course Sunday on a decision to suspend Transportation Security Administration PreCheck operations amid a funding lapse, saying expedited screening lanes will remain open despite staffing pressures.

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem blamed congressional Democrats for the shutdown, calling it the third time in the 119th Congress that the department has been forced to close due to funding disputes. “Shutdowns have serious real-world consequences,” Noem said, adding that DHS was making “tough but necessary workforce and resource decisions” to manage the disruption.

TSA initially announced that PreCheck, which allows enrolled travelers expedited airport screening, would be suspended during the partial shutdown. Within hours, the agency clarified that PreCheck lanes would remain operational. “As staffing constraints arise, TSA will evaluate on a case-by-case basis and adjust operations accordingly,” the agency said. The status of Global Entry was not immediately clarified.

The threatened suspension drew swift criticism from travel and airline industry leaders. U.S. Travel Association President Geoff Freeman welcomed the reversal, saying DHS had avoided “a crisis of its own making.” Airlines for America CEO Chris Sununu criticized the initial announcement as being issued with little notice and accused officials of using the screening programs as leverage amid political disputes.

As of 2024, more than 20 million travelers were enrolled in TSA PreCheck, and Global Entry membership exceeded 12 million, covering over 40 million pre-screened passengers combined.

One change remains in effect: TSA confirmed that courtesy escorts for members of Congress have been suspended so officers can prioritize traveler screening.

Congress left DHS unfunded beginning Feb. 14 after bipartisan negotiations collapsed. The department employs nearly 272,000 workers, with roughly 90 percent continuing to work without pay until lawmakers reach a funding agreement.