With no agreement in sight, the administration has changed its tactics in an effort to bring Democrats closer to a deal. One key action was the decision to suspend Global Entry and TSA PreCheck—popular programs that allow passengers to expedite their way through airport security.
Although the suspension of TSA PreCheck was quickly reversed, these maneuvers frustrated Democrats. They pointed out that the administration did not implement similar actions during the record 43-day shutdown last fall, arguing that such measures are ultimately detrimental to the American public.
The travel announcements coincided with FEMA’s decision to pause “non-emergency recovery work,” and congressional members will no longer receive courtesy airport escorts.
Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.), who represents Dulles International Airport, stated on Tuesday that Global Entry is designed to assist “pre-approved, low-risk travelers” in achieving “expedited entry” into the U.S.
He noted that more than 18 million individuals used the program in 2025, saving over 300,000 officer hours at 79 ports of entry, The Hill reported.