Keep the President's Promise? Noem Gives TSA Employees $10,000 Bonus Checks

American Chinese News report On the first day of the federal government reopening, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem visited George H. W. Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston on Thursday, personally handing out $10,000 bonus checks to more than 20 Transportation Security Administration (TSA) staff members, in recognition of their "exemplary service" during the 43-day government shutdown.

This move seems to be a response to President Trump's promise earlier this week. Trump had urged air traffic controllers who took leave to return to work immediately, or else face "substantial termination," and he also suggested offering a $10,000 bonus to those who remained on duty as "patriots." Notably, air traffic controllers fall under the jurisdiction of the Department of Transportation. However, the TSA employees rewarded by Noem are under her own leadership at the Department of Homeland Security. Nevertheless, like air traffic controllers, TSA employees were also considered "essential" federal employees who were required to work without pay during the shutdown.

At a press conference held at the airport, Noem praised the dedication of these federal employees.

She said, "They worked overtime to help people with commuting issues and other challenges families might face; they are role models we need."

While distributing white envelopes containing the checks, Noem thanked TSA employees for ensuring airport safety and stated that the government would continue to recognize all TSA officials who provided services during the shutdown, "and financially help them and their families get back on their feet through the bonus checks."

This historic government shutdown severely impacted the U.S. aviation industry. Due to the large number of key personnel such as TSA employees and air traffic controllers taking unpaid leave, major airports across the country experienced severe staffing shortages.

At Houston Bush Airport, security screening delays reached up to three hours, causing over 1,000 flights to be delayed and hundreds to be canceled. Across the nation, over 9,000 flights were canceled. To address the crisis, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) was forced last week to cut flights at 40 major airports nationwide. As the government reopened and more air traffic controllers returned to work, the current flight reduction rate will temporarily be frozen at 6%.(American Chinese Television)

Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1848726873858243/

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