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President of the United States, Donald Trump, has publicly thanked the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents for continuing to work through the current government shutdown, despite not being paid. During the shutdown, thousands quit or were absent from work, looking for other jobs to bring in an income, while many others remained steadfast and showed up for work, regardless of not being paid.
While the president, in usual fashion blamed the ‘radical left’ on his platform Truth Social, Trump also thanked the thousands that remained at work, and despite the left refusing to honor a deal that was approved for Congress, he urged those to ‘Keep fighting for the USA’, and ‘GO TO WORK, I promise that I will never forget you’.
First Full Paycheck Missed For Current TSA Workers
Trump’s post was well timed to come just hours after the first fully missed paycheck was absent from TSA workers’ bank accounts, where 50,000 transportation security officers are currently working unpaid for a period that began on February 14. This comes after the Department of Homeland Security funding lapsed, amid a government shutdown.
As reported by CBS News, there are an estimated 300 employees who have left the agency since the shutdown, and a high number of scheduled absences have left airports scrambling and working on skeleton staff. While there has been outcry for how long the shutdown may last, it remains clear that TSA agents are at their limit amid the worsening staff shortages. As one agent explained:
“Our kids, our families, houses – everything is at stake at this moment. We are literally drowning in silence, and the world doesn’t even know it.”
Long Lines Seen At Major Airports Across The Country
Airports across the country continue to report long lines for airport security, with lines at some airports snaking out the front door and onto the sidewalk, as shared by one traveler at Austin Bergstrom International Airport (AUS). Other airports, including 
Philadelphia International Airport(PHL), Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport(MSY), and Houston Hobby Airport(HOU) also feeling the strain.
While most travelers are taking these queues in their stride, some are turning violent, such as a situation that occurred at Dallas Love Field(DAL), where a Californian man failed an identity check and became so upset that he took his frustration out on TSA staff members by punching them, before injuring a police officer. The individual has since been charged.
Safety at airports around the country remains a key focus for law enforcement and U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould for the Northern District of Texas, reminded travelers that violent actions against TSA and law enforcement will not be tolerated, and prosecutions for such offences will be sought to the fullest extent to deter others from resorting to such aggressive attacks.
Brutal: Airports Telling Passengers To “Figure It Out” Amid 4-Hour TSA Wait Times
American flyers have been grounded by a government gridlock.
How Long Will The Government Shutdown Last?
Since the shutdown began around a month ago, there has been a standoff between the Republicans and Democrats around immigration reform. As a result, the TSA screeners have missed a paycheck, right at the time when spring break travel demand ramps up. Across the 430 airports manned by TSA staff in the United States, there have been impacts felt across the spectrum. TSA remains open at most airports, and on a case-by-case basis, airports may adjust operations to suit staffing levels.
It remains unclear when the Department of Homeland Security shutdown will end, and at the moment, the union that represents TSA workers is not optimistic. For the shutdown to end, it will require Congress to pass legislation that funds the department, and at the moment, it remains unclear when a deal may be struck.
While the employees will receive a full payback once the shutdown ends, likely within several days, for some who live paycheck to paycheck, this means they are facing severe financial hardship. During the last government shutdown, a $10,000 bonus was offered for those who remained committed and present throughout the shutdown. It remains unclear if that offer will remain on the table this time around.
