US travelers face second day of long security lines at some airports

Rising absences by Transportation Security Administration security officers caused a second straight day of longer-than-normal security lines, sparking worries from airlines as the busy spring break travel period ramps up.

For instance, Houston Hobby Airport on Monday reported lines averaging 3 hours at 2 p.m. EDT at standard checkpoints.

Funding for the Department of Homeland Security lapsed on February 13 after Congress failed to reach a deal on immigration enforcement reforms demanded by Democrats. That halted operational funding for several government agencies, including the TSA, resulting in about 50,000 TSA airport security screeners working without pay.

-David Shepardson/Reuters