03/25/2026
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ASTA Advocacy Update
Partial Government Shutdown Update and Resources
As you are aware, the federal government is currently operating under a partial shutdown, with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) operating without funding. While the full scope and duration remain uncertain, the effects are being felt across several industries that play a critical role for travelers, including those responsible for aviation security, border processing and transportation oversight.
ASTA is actively monitoring developments and engaging with policymakers to underscore the importance of maintaining continuity in travel-related operations. While essential TSA officers and other frontline personnel are continuing to report to work under difficult circumstances, increased absenteeism and subsequent staffing shortages have affected travelers and travel businesses alike. If left unaddressed, our travel ecosystem will grind to a halt.
We encourage all members to support federal employees who are working under these most trying circumstances. Additionally, direct engagement from travel advisors and agency leaders helps policymakers understand the real-world implications of government funding lapses in our industry and the clients you serve. Here’s an update on ASTA’s advocacy efforts regarding the shutdown.
Congressional Engagement
ASTA is a proud member of the U.S. Travel Association and joined in their efforts to call for an end to the DHS shutdown. Read the coalition letter sent to Congress on March 19.
ASTA submitted comments to the House Committee on Homeland Security in advance of its March 25 hearing on the DHS shutdown. Those comments are available here.
Take Action
We encourage you to contact your Members of Congress to share how the shutdown is affecting your business and your clients. A grassroots letter is available via our partnership with U.S. Travel. Please personalize the message to let legislators know you’re a travel advisor or travel advisor partner. https://www.ustravel.org/pay-tsa-officers-now?utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9SLh9OHu-Hcwotmy-O7qCg5tGFeRWfIP_MwXSLqYTgYr6f-CQw6eXo2ywMz4lml_sp7rAHGWd0FSzfAnLo2E5nURzmUw&_hsmi=410583133&utm_content=410583133&utm_source=hs_email
How Can You Support DHS Employees Working Without Pay?
ASTA has partnered with the Federal Employee Education & Assistance Fund (FEEA) to raise funds to support federal workers, including TSA officers, who continue to serve the traveling public during this period. FEEA provides emergency financial relief to eligible federal employees facing hardship during shutdowns. As part of this effort, ASTA contributed $10,000 to support FEEA’s emergency assistance program.
You can show your support to our vital federal workers by contributing. https://feea.org/support/?utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8jV2p1an8SHHylA6L8a43SVTisLqBe0gYi6_8xUdDg-HeUQJhSKrcfN6pqHa2JOug3fGxKwpUekT71VOnUcnqR6_0t1Q&_hsmi=410583133&utm_content=410583133&utm_source=hs_email
We will continue to keep members informed as the situation evolves. In the meantime, we encourage you to share this information within your professional networks. Thank you for your continued commitment to the travel advisor community, to the travelers who rely on your expertise, and to the federal workers who support U.S. travel every single day.
Please don't hesitate to contact ASTA's Advocacy team with any questions or concerns at [email protected].
Tell Congress to Pay TSA Now: https://www.ustravel.org/pay-tsa-officers-now?utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8HT0NrIHTAtX_Rf27JnEUmB_ZHRm4LgkG6A7Mn0QYxi8w2MXXySmQ1nR0Lq_S0_oAVbgQd_NieykrbhP_BNz1ZdEHkVw&_hsmi=410583133&utm_content=410583133&utm_source=hs_email
It’s Time for Congress to Pay TSA Officers Every day, TSA (Transportation Security Administration) officers show up to work, even though they haven’t been paid. They stand at airport checkpoints, screening bags, guiding travelers and keeping the skies safe—all while the Department of Homeland ...
