Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visited George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston on Thursday to distribute bonus checks to Transportation Security Administration officers who continued working during the recent government shutdown.
Noem stated that TSA staff who remained on the job during the 43-day shutdown will receive a $10,000 bonus, calling the effort a recognition of their service during a challenging period.
“We will be looking at every single TSA official that helped serve during this government shutdown to do what we can to recognize that and help them financially with a bonus check to help them and their family get back on their feet,” she said at a press conference.
A White House spokesperson told Fox News Digital that the shutdown, driven by disagreements over healthcare for undocumented immigrants, created financial burdens for many federal workers — including TSA employees — who continued reporting for duty without pay. The spokesperson added that the administration remains “grateful to the hardworking TSA officers who continued to work, without pay, to ensure America stayed safe in spite of the Democrat Shutdown.”
President Donald Trump has also suggested providing similar bonuses to air traffic controllers, praising those who maintained full attendance during the shutdown.
“For those Air Traffic Controllers who were GREAT PATRIOTS, and didn’t take ANY TIME OFF for the ‘Democrat Shutdown Hoax,’ I will be recommending a BONUS of $10,000 per person for distinguished service to our Country,” he wrote Monday on Truth Social.
In a post on X on Thursday, Noem thanked Department of Homeland Security workers for their dedication during the prolonged shutdown.
“Thank you to every @DHSgov team member for your dedication and resilience throughout the Democrats’ Shutdown — 43 days without pay for many of you — a hardship on your families. Your continued work and dedication to protecting our homeland are a testament to your patriotism. You made America safer during the longest shutdown in American history.”
She added, “Thanks to @POTUS Trump, our government is open. Together, we will continue to deliver on our promise to the American people: securing our homeland.”
