WASHINGTON — The U.S. Travel Association is urging Congress to immediately approve funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), warning that a lapse in financing could seriously impact airport security, international travel operations, and preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States.

The warning comes as lawmakers face mounting pressure to avoid another government shutdown while critical federal agencies responsible for border control, aviation security, cybersecurity, and emergency management remain under severe strain. According to the travel industry group, more than 1,100 Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers have already resigned since the partial shutdown began in February, raising concerns over staffing shortages ahead of one of the largest sporting events ever hosted in the country.

With only 44 days remaining before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, industry leaders fear that delays in congressional action could undermine both national security and the visitor experience expected during the tournament, which is projected to attract millions of international travelers.

In a strongly worded statement, Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, criticized lawmakers for failing to resolve what he described as a self-inflicted crisis.

“We are 44 days from the largest sporting event in American history, and Washington is failing the American people,” Freeman said.

Freeman warned that the issue extends far beyond longer airport security lines. He argued that unpaid frontline personnel at agencies such as Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Secret Service, FEMA, and cybersecurity divisions are operating under extreme pressure, while the deployment of critical World Cup security technologies may now be at risk.

The travel industry has repeatedly emphasized that seamless airport operations, border efficiency, and strong security coordination will be essential to the success of the FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The latest warning from the U.S. Travel Association highlights growing concern that political gridlock in Washington could damage the country’s international image at a moment when global attention is turning toward the United States as host of the world’s biggest sporting event.