ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Wait lines improved markedly Tuesday morning at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport as armed federal agents were on hand for a second day.

TSA callouts reached more than 40% Tuesday, airport authorities said.

The scene at the airport, much better than recent days, played out as came as optimism rose in Washington that a plan to fund the Department of Homeland Security – and restore TSA worker pay – was in the works to end the nearly 40-day partial government shutdown.

ICE agents were also visible throughout the airport.

Ricky Smith, general manager of Hartsfield, said, “Their responsibility right now as a support to TSA is to monitor crowds and help maintain order.”

MORE COVERAGE:

• Know your rights | Can ICE ask about your citizenship status at the airport?
• In the evening, lines receded at Atlanta airport
• Why is it so busy at the Atlanta airport today?
• ICE agents at Atlanta airport after Trump order during partial shutdown
• Why aren’t TSA agents getting paid?
• ‘It’s kind of unfair’: Travelers criticize long lines at Atlanta airport
• Atlanta spring weekend kicks off with long TSA lines
• TSA callout rate reaches nearly 40% at Atlanta airport as partial shutdown continues
• Georgia GOP targets Ossoff amid shutdown as TSA shortages snarl travel
• ‘We’re outraged’: Delta CEO calls for TSA agents to be paid again

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