President Donald Trump announced Thursday he’s ordering the Department of Homeland Security to “immediately pay our TSA agents” amid the ongoing partial government shutdown.
“Because the Democrats have recklessly created a true National Crisis, I am using my authorities under the Law to protect our Great Country, as I always will do,” the president wrote on Truth Social.
“Therefore, I am going to sign an Order instructing the Secretary of Homeland Security, Markwayne Mullin, to immediately pay our TSA Agents in order to address this Emergency Situation, and to quickly stop the Democrat Chaos at the Airports,” he added.
The DHS shutdown began more than 40 days ago after lawmakers failed to reach a deal on funding the agency. Since then, TSA agents have been working without pay, which has led to staffing shortages and long security lines.
Many TSA agents live paycheck to paycheck, which means they’ve been struggling to pay for rent, groceries and other necessities during the funding lapse, according to Acting TSA Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill.
“Officers are reportedly sleeping in their cars at airports to save gas money, selling their blood and plasma, and taking on second and third jobs to make ends meet, all while expected to perform at the highest level when in uniform to protect the traveling public,” McNeill said Wednesday in a statement to the House Committee on Homeland Security.
Angela Grana, a TSA agent in Colorado, told CBS News earlier Thursday she’s feeling “deflated” and “demoralized” amid the shutdown.
“I’m feeling unimportant and unvalued,” she said. “My bills haven’t stopped coming. They’re still pounding on my door and my bank account is empty. So, I’m lost. I’m drowning.”
This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.
