Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem delivered $10,000 bonus checks to tens of thousands of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers who continued working throughout the Democrats’ 43-day federal government shutdown.
Noem announced that roughly 47,000 frontline TSA agents who remained on duty without pay will now receive both full back pay and a one-time bonus recognizing their service.
During a news conference at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Noem said:
“We are going to not only continue their paychecks like they should have received all along, but also they’re going to get a bonus check for stepping up, taking on extra shifts, for showing up each and every day, for serving the American people.”
Noem praised TSA personnel for taking seriously the mission of the Department of Homeland Security, “and that’s keeping the American people safe while they go and commute across the country, and while they do their work and business and take care of their families.”
Several officers were highlighted for “exemplary” service, including those who volunteered for extra shifts during the shutdown.
“They were examples to the rest of the individuals that worked with them, and endured those hardships and continued to shine a light on what is special about America,” Noem said.
The secretary added that she intends to recognize all TSA officials who worked during the shutdown.
She noted that even those who missed a shift or called out sick may still receive the bonus.
“People were not just inconvenienced, but they were also damaged and harmed” by the shutdown, she said.
“What I’m so proud of today … is the outstanding patriotism and service of our TSA officers and officials that stepped up every single day,” Noem added.
She also thanked public and private sector partners who supported TSA employees throughout the shutdown.
“We still saw the best of America,” she said.
“We saw people come together, support each other, take care of each other, and go above and beyond to make sure the mission of the Department of Homeland Security was fulfilled.”
Noem said DHS worked late Wednesday night to finalize the administrative steps necessary to issue back pay.
President Donald Trump signed legislation Wednesday evening, funding the government through January.
It officially ended the longest shutdown in U.S. history.
The administration has rolled out several measures this year to streamline airport security.
They include allowing passengers to keep their shoes on in certain screening lanes.
Noem said the department also plans to introduce dedicated lanes for veterans, military personnel, and families.
READ MORE – White House: Trump Is Committed to Giving Americans $2,000 ‘Tariff Dividends’ Checks
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