Homeland Security reactivates major Global Entry program for travelers amid shutdown

While the lapse in funding at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) continues, officials have announced that the Global Entry program has resumed.

A DHS spokesperson told Fox News Digital in a statement the program was "reactivated" on Wednesday at 5 a.m. ET, "as DHS continually evaluates measures it can take amidst the Democrats' continued shutdown of the department.

Global Entry expedites the U.S. customs ‌and immigration clearance process for pre-approved, low-risk travelers entering the United States.

Travelers must apply for the program and pay a fee of $120 that lasts five years.

TSA agents have been grappling with partial paychecks - and soon-to-be-empty paychecks if the shutdown persists.

The shutdown is causing massive delays at some airports across the country, with wait times for travelers of 3.5 hours reported at major hubs due to officer shortages.

On average, airlines expect to carry about 2.8 million passengers per day during this period.

Chris Sununu, A4A's CEO, recently urged Congress and the administration to act quickly to end this shutdown.

"America's transportation security workforce is too important to be used as political leverage," Sununu said in a statement.

Fox News Digital's Kelly McGreal contributed to this report.