Travelers at Newark Liberty today say they hope the Senate’s decision to pay TSA workers will shorten long security lines. Senators early in this morning approved Homeland Security funds to pay TSA agents who have been working without pay since Feb. 14 during the partial shutdown.

Many travelers told News 12 it was long overdue. Tony Montanez said, “It’s about time… our politicians just need to chill and… get the work done like this is ridiculous.”

Alex Pena said the situation was “uncalled for” and said he supported a move that would force elected officials to wait in the same airport lines. “I’m very happy for these guys… these are the guys on the front line protecting us,” he said.

Frank Angel said TSA staff “should get paid” and questioned how anyone could work without pay for so long, saying, “Who works for free?… It’s unbelievable.”

The House of Representatives still must approve the Senate measure, but travelers in Newark said they hope TSA agents begin getting paid sooner rather than later.