Houston TSA agents receive first paycheck in 40+ days, Congress still needs to pass full funding TSA workers have begun receiving paychecks after weeks without pay during the federal shutdown, a development that is already easing long lines at Houston’s largest airport. Houston TSA agents receive first paycheck in 40+ days, Congress still needs to pass full funding54 minutes agoTSA lines at Bush Airport in Houston last week compared to Monday, March 30, 2026 .– TSA workers have begun receiving paychecks after weeks without pay during the federal shutdown, a development that is already easing long lines at Houston’s largest airport. Workers saw money hit their bank accounts overnight, marking the first pay since January after the shutdown began Feb. 14. Union officials said the payments are only partial, with some back pay still missing.“They haven’t received all their back pay, but they have started seeing their payments,” said Johnny Jones, a union leader representing TSA workers. The return of pay appears to be having an immediate impact at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, where travelers reported significantly shorter wait times compared with last week. “It’s very good. It’s not as bad as it was last week,” said Houston traveler Sheryl Arrah, who described waiting more than three hours to get through security days earlier. “I think the lines are pretty short … five minutes or 10 minutes.”The delays in recent weeks were tied to widespread TSA callouts as workers went without pay during the shutdown, straining airport operations nationwide. Houston’s Bush Airport experienced some of the longest wait times in the country. The payments come after Donald Trump signed an executive memorandum directing funds to pay TSA workers. The White House has framed the move as a temporary fix while urging Congress to take longer-term action. “The president just can’t keep signing presidential memorandums and proclamations every time Congress fails to do its job,” said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. She added that the President is pushing lawmakers to return to Washington and pass funding to fully reopen the Department of Homeland Security.According to union officials and the Department of Homeland Security, workers have been paid for two full pay periods, though part of an additional pay period may still be outstanding.Travelers expressed relief that workers are finally being paid, with some questioning how long the situation lasted.Congress is on recess and is not expected to address long-term funding until at least April 14, leaving uncertainty about how long the current fix will last.Gage Goulding is an award-winning TV news reporter and anchor. A native of Pittsburgh, PA, he comes to Texas from Fort Myers, FL, where he covered some of the areas most important stories, including Hurricane Ian.Big City Wings, Big City DEALS | How to save $$$ on your next night out with Houston Life DealsNiños estaban afuera. Familias reunidas. Y de repente… disparos. 🚨DNA leads to arrest in 'Lovers Lane' Houston cold case after 36 yearsGet Hungry, Astros Fans! Reviewing the TASTY new food options coming to Daikin Park this yearRare guest alert! ⚠️We love when Chantell Preston stops by Studio B with the best advice and laughsHere's what 2 Investigates is learning about the future of electricity bills at CERAWeek