WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said he would sign an order instructing the Homeland Security Secretary to immediately pay Transportation Security Administration agents, while senators worked overnight trying to end a budget impasse that has jammed airports and created financial hardship for workers.
Trump announced his decision via social media, emphasizing the need to halt the 'Chaos at the Airports.' As pressure intensifies to resolve the 42-day stalemate over funding for the Department of Homeland Security, negotiations are reaching critical stages as TSA workers face yet another missed paycheck on Friday.
The White House had considered invoking a national emergency to secure funds for TSA agents, a legally complex move. Ultimately, Trump’s directive will allow TSA agents to be paid using allocations from his 2025 tax bill, according to a senior administration official who requested anonymity to discuss the plan.
Simultaneously, senators are collaborating on a funding package for various DHS components, including FEMA and the Coast Guard. Democratic leaders demand oversight on Homeland Security's immigration enforcement actions before agreeing to fund these essential services.
'The president is doing absolutely the right thing,' commented Senator John Barrasso, R-Wyo, after his conversation with Trump. 'The TSA agents will get their pay.'
Airport Lines Grow as TSA Workers Endure Hardships
The ongoing funding shutdown has triggered travel delays and increased reports of potential airport closures as many TSA workers, facing missed paychecks, are choosing to stop coming to work.
Several airports report over a 40% absence rate among TSA employees, with nearly 500 out of roughly 50,000 officers resigning during the shutdown. On Wednesday, more than 11% of scheduled TSA personnel called out sick, totaling over 3,120 absences.
Everett Kelley, the president of the American Federation of Government Employees, expressed gratitude over the payment directive but stressed the need for Congress to remain in session to finalize a comprehensive funding deal for DHS.
At George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, passenger Melissa Gates missed her flight to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, after waiting over 2.5 hours and never reaching security.
'I should have just driven, right? Five hours would have been better than this,' said Gates.
A ‘Last and Final’ Offer on the Table
Earlier, Senate Majority Leader John Thune announced he presented a ‘last and final’ proposal to Democrats, which he refrained from detailing.
'Enough is enough,' he remarked, as Democrats argued that the GOP proposals are insufficient in ensuring protections for individuals involved in immigration enforcement amid calls for greater accountability following recent protests.
Trump indicated the need for immediate resolution, threatening drastic measures, including deploying the National Guard, if the shutdown continues, as staffing shortages threaten vital airport operations.
