Joel Rose

President Trump's budget proposes cutting funding for the TSA, the Transportation Security Administration, by more than $50 million.

And it would require small airports to enroll in a program in which TSA pays for private contractors to staff security checkpoints.

That program has existed for years, but only 20 airports are enrolled.

The Trump administration argues that privatized screening would save taxpayers money.

But critics, including the union that represents TSA officers, say it would undermine security.

The budget request reflects the White House's priorities, but it's Congress that ultimately sets and approves spending levels.

And lawmakers are still deadlocked over funding for the Department of Homeland Security in this year's budget.

Joel Rose, NPR News, Washington.

President Trump's budget proposes cutting funding for the TSA, the Transportation Security Administration, by more than $50 million.

And it would require small airports to enroll in a program in which TSA pays for private contractors to staff security checkpoints.

That program has existed for years, but only 20 airports are enrolled.

The Trump administration argues that privatized screening would save taxpayers money.

But critics, including the union that represents TSA officers, say it would undermine security.

The budget request reflects the White House's priorities, but it's Congress that ultimately sets and approves spending levels.

And lawmakers are still deadlocked over funding for the Department of Homeland Security in this year's budget.

Joel Rose, NPR News, Washington.

We still don't know exactly where the money is coming from.

A lot of the Trump administration's critics are wondering if it is even legal for the White House to do this.

If it is legal, why didn't it happen sooner?

Thousands of TSA officers have called out of work since the shutdown began.