As the partial Department of Homeland Security funding shutdown continues into its second month, the debate over privatizing airport security checkpoints has gained new urgency, with advocates pointing to a program that already allows airports to use private contractors.
The TSA Screening Partnership Program (SPP) permits airports to engage private contractors to operate security checkpoints while the agency maintains oversight of standards and protocols. San Francisco International Airport and Kansas City International Airport currently participate in the program.
What the Left Is Saying
Progressives and labor unions have opposed efforts to privatize airport security, arguing that federal employees provide more consistent security outcomes. The union representing TSA officers has stated that contractor screeners may not provide as secure an air system, though no evidence supports this claim. Critics of privatization note that the TSA was created after 9/11 to establish uniform national security standards, and they worry that contracting out could create inconsistencies in screening quality. Some Democrats have also argued that maintaining a federal workforce ensures accountability and collective bargaining protections for workers.
What the Right Is Saying
Conservative lawmakers have pushed to reduce the size of the federal workforce and increase private-sector participation in government functions. The Abolish TSA Act of 2025 reflects this approach, with supporters arguing that private contractors can operate security checkpoints more efficiently and at lower cost. Proponents note that the SPP allows airports to opt into private screening while TSA maintains oversight of security standards, creating a hybrid model that preserves federal control of security policy while shifting operational execution to the private sector.
What the Numbers Show
According to TSA data, more than 300 TSA agents have resigned since February 14, when the partial DHS shutdown began. The agency continues to collect the September 11th security fee from passengers but cannot pay its workforce. San Francisco International, which uses the SPP, has reported wait times in line with other large hub airports. The TSA PreCheck program, which allows passengers to voluntarily provide information for expedited screening, operates at both federal and private screening lanes. The program typically costs less to operate than standard screening lanes.
The Bottom Line
The ongoing DHS shutdown has amplified discussions about the TSA's future structure. While the SPP offers airports a pathway to private checkpoint operations, it remains optional and does not alter TSA's role in setting security standards. Airport administrators can submit bids to participate in the program, though experts note that aviation security beyond checkpoints—including Secure Flight, Trusted Travelers, and Federal Air Marshalls—should remain federal functions. The debate is expected to continue as the shutdown persists.