President Donald J. Trump announced on Mar. 27 a directive to provide pay and benefits to Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees affected by the ongoing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown.
The announcement comes as the DHS shutdown enters its sixth week, causing significant disruption in airport security operations and impacting thousands of TSA workers who have not received their paychecks.
Trump said more than 60,000 TSA employees, including about 50,000 transportation security officers at domestic airports, are currently working without pay due to what he described as a "Democrat-caused shutdown." He noted that nearly 500 officers have left their positions since the start of the shutdown and that many others are calling out sick at record rates because they are not being paid. As a result, some airports have seen wait times reach three hours or more.
"If Democrats in the Congress will not act to honor the service of our TSA officers, who are now performing their critical public safety responsibilities without knowing whether they will be able to buy food for their families or pay their rent, then my Administration will take action," Trump said.
In his memorandum addressed to the Secretary of Homeland Security and Director of the Office of Management and Budget, Trump directed officials "to use funds that have a reasonable and logical nexus to TSA operations to provide TSA employees with the compensation and benefits that would have accrued to them if not for the Democrat-led DHS shutdown, consistent with applicable law." He also called for adjustments within DHS funding accounts once regular funding is restored so operations can continue as planned prior to the lapse.
The memorandum emphasizes that its implementation must remain consistent with existing laws and available appropriations. It clarifies it does not create any enforceable rights against federal entities or individuals.
