In Orlando, Florida, as the federal government shutdown drags on, the financial strain on Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers becomes increasingly palpable. These dedicated workers, including thousands across the nation, are feeling the pinch of missed paychecks while they continue to fulfill their duties.

Despite the ongoing hustle and bustle at Orlando International Airport, where travelers steadily flow through the security lines, uncertainty looms large for TSA employees. They remain committed to their roles, yet the absence of pay is a growing concern.

Walter Penn, a Transportation Security Officer based in Orlando, captures this sentiment succinctly. “Knowing on Friday I didn’t get a check is when it starts to hit,” he shared, highlighting the immediate impact of the shutdown on his financial stability.

Penn elaborates on the challenges faced by him and his colleagues, noting, “It’s been pretty straining. You have to worry about your rent, worry about things like car insurance.” Such financial anxieties are becoming a shared experience among TSA staff.

Despite these hardships, TSA officers across the United States remain on the frontlines. As essential federal employees, they are required to report to work, carrying out their responsibilities without the assurance of a timely paycheck.

Across the country, TSA officers are considered essential federal employees, which means they are still required to report for duty — even without pay.

For Penn, that reality adds up quickly to even the simple things. “Even the small things, like gas to come to work — and we’re still expected to be here on time,” he said.

When asked why he continues to show up to work, Penn says it comes down to commitment.

“I have a commitment to keeping these people safe when they travel,” he said.

But beyond the financial burden lies emotional exhaustion.

“You can be at the checkpoint and passengers come with their entitlement — they don’t care that you’re not getting paid,” Penn explained.

He hopes that lawmakers will reach an agreement soon so that workers like him can receive back pay and return to a sense of stability.

“That’s a big challenge,” Penn said. “Because if we’re here working for free, that’s not going to work at all.”

Despite the growing pressure, Penn remains has one message for lawmakers when it comes to the shutdown. 

“Please get it together,” he urged lawmakers. “Figure this out so we can get back to our normal lives and keep the public safe.”

Penn and his coworkers remain hopeful that paychecks will arrive soon, allowing them to continue caring for their families while keeping the traveling public secure.