On 26/3, President Donald Trump stated on Truth Social that he would sign an emergency order. This directive would require the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to immediately pay employees of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). "This is not an easy thing to do, but I will do it", Trump wrote, aiming to quickly resolve the chaos at airports, though he did not specify when the action would take place.
The TSA is responsible for security checkpoints at US airports. Approximately 5,000 TSA employees are considered essential workers and have continued to work despite a partial DHS shutdown, which has lasted over 40 days due to a lack of congressional funding.
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US President Donald Trump at the White House on 6/3. *Photo: AFP*
This situation has led to widespread travel disruptions, with many TSA staff taking leave or calling in sick. Today marks their second missed paycheck, exacerbating financial difficulties.
Acting TSA Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill stated on 25/3 that many employees have defaulted on loans, received eviction notices, had vehicles repossessed, and utilities cut off. Some have resorted to selling blood and plasma or taking on additional jobs to make ends meet. The average annual salary for a TSA employee ranges from USD 46,000 to USD 55,000. While regulations allow for back pay once funding is restored, this does not alleviate immediate financial struggles.
The prolonged shutdown has resulted in significant airport congestion due to security staff shortages. Many airports have reported over 40% of TSA employees calling out sick, and nearly 500 of the agency's approximately 50,000 staff have resigned since the shutdown began.
The DHS budget bill remains stalled in the Senate. Democratic lawmakers are refusing to approve the budget, demanding changes to curb President Trump's immigration enforcement campaigns. In theory, the White House could declare a national emergency to pay TSA staff, but this approach would likely face congressional opposition and legal challenges.
People waiting for security checks, sleeping restlessly at 3 am at George Bush International Airport, Houston, Texas, on 25/3. *Video: TikTok/hernameisbree*
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a Republican Senator from South Dakota, expressed frustration, stating, "Enough is enough", as he announced a new proposal had been sent to Democrats. Thune did not disclose the specifics of this new framework but indicated it was based on a Republican offer from last weekend, before previous negotiations with the White House and Democrats broke down.
Democrats, however, argue that the Republican proposals are still not robust enough to impose sufficient controls on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and other federal agencies involved in immigration sweeps.
Duc Trung (According to AP, WSJ, Washington Post)
