The Department of Homeland Security on Sunday walked back its decision to suspend the Transportation Security Administration’s PreCheck program, after initially sparking confusion for travelers when it said it was temporarily halting the popular service.
TSA “will evaluate on a case-by-case basis and adjust operations” according to staffing changes, a spokesperson for the agency told CNN on Sunday.
DHS said in a statement earlier in the day that PreCheck, along with the Global Entry program, would shut down at 6 a.m. ET amid apartial government shutdown.
But as of Sunday morning, travelers were still able to pass through lines servicing TSA PreCheck at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Dulles International Airport near Washington, DC.
CNN has reached out to Customs and Border Protection about the status of Global Entry.
Both programs are funded by fees charged to members.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem had said in a statement to CNN that TSA and CBP “are focusing on the general traveling public at our airports and ports of entry.”
“Shutdowns have serious real-world consequences, not just for the men and women of DHS and their families who go without a paycheck, but it endangers our national security,” the statement added. The Washington Postfirst reportedon the measures.
US Travel Association President Geoff Freeman said after the reversal his organization was “glad that DHS has decided to keep PreCheck operational and avoid a crisis of its own making.”
“We are urging the same for Global Entry,” Freeman said. “These Trusted Traveler Programs strengthen aviation security and improve screening efficiency. They are funded by user fees, and there is no reason at this time for them to be suspended.”
Source: Drudge Report
