A failed attempt by U.S. Senators to secure funding for the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) has failed to pass, causing long security lines across the country. AFGE Local 777 Executive Vice President Christine Vitel, who represents local TSA officers, has urged public patience and asked for compassion. Nearly 400 TSA officers have quit since the start of the partial government shutdown on Feb. 14, affecting the Department of Homeland Security. Over 20 TSA officers at Chicago O’Hare International Airport have also left in search of other opportunities. Despite the hardships, Vitel maintains that TSA officers are committed to the safety of travelers.