LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — As some federal workers are still working to recover from the historic government shutdown near the end of 2025, another shutdown could be just days away.
Economic experts say projections for Las Vegas tourism in 2026 are looking stronger than last year, but a second federal shutdown could quickly reverse that momentum and place renewed strain on thousands of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers in the valley.
“If this occurs, how long is it going to occur?” said Andrew Woods with the UNLV Center for Business and Economic Research. “If we get another 40-plus-day shutdown, then yeah, we’re going to see further disruption, further loss of economic activity.”
Woods said the broader concern isn’t just the immediate slowdown, but the long-term economic ripple effects.
“The opportunity costs — what would have occurred if the government shutdown had not happened — what decisions would have been made in the economy?” Woods said.
One of the first places the impact would be felt is Harry Reid International Airport. During the last shutdown, roughly 1,200 TSA employees worked without pay for more than six weeks.
“It was extremely tough,” said Keith White, an AFGE union steward. “Employees were getting shut-off notices. Employees were getting eviction notices. Car notes went late. It was tough for all of us.”
Union leaders say many workers are still recovering months later.
“We still have officers who are still working to recover from the last shutdown,” said Marcos Crespo, also an AFGE union steward. “And here we are facing another possible shutdown.”
Although the shutdown lasted 43 days, White said the financial fallout extended far beyond that.
“I waited 53 days for a check, and there are some employees who still have not received their check or their full pay,” White said. “We shouldn’t have to be the pawns every time there is a government shutdown.”
Both union leaders credited Nevada’s congressional delegation for helping bring the last shutdown to an end when it did. If another shutdown happens, they say their members are prepared — and grateful for the community support they received last time.
“The Vegas community really came through for us,” Crespo said. “Our food pantry was pretty stocked most of the time. We got gas cards, gift certificates, and the airport gave officers lunch most days.”
Despite the uncertainty, White said TSA employees remained committed to their mission.
“You could not tell that there was a shutdown,” White said. “More than 1,000 employees showed up every single day to Harry Reid International Airport. They’re dedicated to the mission.”
Crespo said the Department of Aviation still has some non-perishable food left from the previous shutdown and expects the pantry to reopen if a shutdown extends from days into weeks.