WASHINGTON — The Department of Homeland Security announced Thursday that Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers who worked through the recent 43-day federal government shutdown will receive $10,000 bonus checks, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said.
Noem, speaking at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, praised the agents for taking extra shifts and maintaining airport security without pay. She said the bonus program is a way to recognize their “patriotism and service” during the crisis.
The funds for the bonuses will come from carry-over fiscal year 2025 dollars, according to a DHS release. Officials said they are still evaluating how many officers will qualify and receive the full bonus.
The shutdown caused widespread disruption in air travel, with staffing shortages among TSA agents and air-traffic controllers leading to delays across major airports.
Noem also criticized lawmakers for the shutdown, saying the bonuses were possible thanks to savings from “fiscal responsibility” under the administration’s policies.
The announcement comes amid scrutiny of Noem over other political actions, including a potential violation of the Hatch Act. Some airports refused to screen a DHS-produced video in which Noem blamed Democrats for the shutdown, citing concerns over partisan messaging.
