A looming federal government shutdown could cause headaches for Texas public retirement system trustees and administrators who frequently travel for board meetings, training, and conferences, even though commercial flights are expected to continue operating.

The deadline for Congress to pass new spending bills is midnight on Sept. 30, the final day of the federal fiscal year. Without action, the government would shut down starting Oct. 1, 2025. When funding lapses, agencies lose the authority to operate many programs, forcing furloughs of nonessential staff while essential workers continue to work without pay. Lawmakers remain divided over spending levels and policy riders, with Republicans advocating for cuts and Democrats seeking to extend health and social services funding.

The Department of Homeland Security states that Transportation Security Administration officers are considered “excepted” employees and are required to continue screening passengers. According to DHS documents, 58,488 of the TSA’s 61,475 employees would be retained during a shutdown, though most would be required to work without pay until funding is restored. The Department of Transportation reports that more than 13,000 Federal Aviation Administration air traffic controllers will also remain on duty without pay to ensure the safety of the system.

Flights are not expected to be canceled due to a shutdown, but travel may still be disrupted. TSA employees working without pay could lead to longer lines at checkpoints. Air traffic controllers, also working without pay, could face stress and fatigue if a shutdown drags on.

For Texas pension system trustees and administrators, as well as other air passengers, these disruptions could complicate trips. ABC News reports that during the 2018-2019 shutdown, TSA “sick-outs” led to the closure of some checkpoints, and flight delays increased when staffing shortages affected control towers. FAA training and hiring of new controllers were also suspended at that time.

Under the DOT plan, some oversight and support services would be paused, including new controller training, facility inspections, aviation rulemaking, and modernization projects. Routine public affairs updates, such as notices on the FAA website, would also halt. 

About the Author: Allen Jones is the director of communications and event marketing for TEXPERS. He joined the Association in 2017. Before TEXPERS, he worked in the news media industry, producing content for newspapers, magazines, and online publications and leading newsrooms as an editor and publications manager. [email protected]