Wheels Up for Senate Democrats Who Leave TSA and Americans Grounded
Washington, D.C. – Senate Democrats are flying high while TSA agents and other hardworking federal employees miss full paychecks and Americans miss flights.
After voting – again – to deny resources for homeland security operations and personnel, the very politicians responsible for the Democrat DHS shutdown are heading home – leaving everyday Americans grounded in the fallout.
The ramifications are real.
Today, TSA agents and other federal workers will open their pay stubs to see $0.00.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer didn’t have to work without pay this month – but more than 4,400 DHS personnel in New York did, including over 3,500 TSA officers.
Minority Whip Dick Durbin collected his paycheck – but more than 2,700 DHS personnel in Illinois did not, including over 2,400 TSA agents.
Across the country, Senate Democrats have left thousands of their own constituents who support homeland security missions without pay:
- More than 8,000 in Virginia
- Nearly 8,000 in California
- More than 2,100 in Maryland
- Nearly 2,000 in New Jersey
- Nearly 1,700 in Massachusetts
- More than 1,600 in Nevada
In total, Senate Democrats have denied paychecks for more than 85,000 DHS personnel nationwide who are still working. This number is even greater when you take into account furloughed workers.
Their bills haven’t stopped.
Their rent and mortgages haven’t stopped.
Their grocery costs haven’t stopped.
Their utility and gas payments haven’t stopped.
But their paychecks have.
Here is what the Democrat DHS shutdown is already causing just for TSA:
- It is estimated that more than 300 TSA agents have quit, on top of the 1,000 personnel who left during last year’s Democrat shutdown.
- Some TSA officers are sleeping in their cars to save gas.
- Call-out rates have surged into double-digit percentages at some airports, straining operations and contributing to delays and travel disruptions.
- Major airports are asking people to donate gift cards and essentials to TSA workers who are going without pay.
- A TSA officer and father of three was forced to quit after nine years, saying he had no choice but to leave the job he loved to support his family during the shutdown.
- Comprehensive ramifications here and here.
And as TSA personnel fear for their livelihoods, a Democrat Senator has described the shutdown situation as “very serene” – a remarkable characterization while tens of thousands of people are forced to work without pay.
Full-year – not carved out – discretionary funding remains essential to support all homeland security operations, including non-law-enforcement personnel and the day-to-day operations that keep these agencies running.
Chairman Cole said, “Not one Senate Democrat who voted to deny paychecks for others has missed their own. Meanwhile, TSA officers are sleeping in airport parking lots because they can’t afford the gas to drive home, maxing out credit cards, and taking second jobs just to feed their families. I am tired of politicians making a political point at the expense of the men and women who show up every single day to do their jobs and keep Americans safe. For a party that once resoundingly lectured against the dangers of a government shutdown, their current posture is as hypocritical as it is irresponsible. Chuck Schumer and Senate Democrats have hijacked appropriations and shutdowns as their catchall for political leverage. That may serve their campaign strategies and election headlines, but it does nothing to safeguard the nation or support the personnel who carry out these missions every day.”
Republicans have consistently voted to keep the government open and working for the American people, rejecting the shutdown politics Democrats continue to abuse. House Republicans have twice passed full-year funding to keep DHS fully operational across all missions. The legislation advanced with support from members of both sides of the aisle and reflects the same bipartisan, bicameral framework negotiated with House and Senate Republicans and Democrats. Unlike Senate Democrats who reneged on the bill, House Republicans have stood by their word from the start. The shutdown would be over today – and TSA agents and other DHS personnel would be paid – if Senate Democrats supported the very framework they once agreed to.
###
