The Department of Homeland Security has announced it will provide a $10,000 bonus to Transportation Security Administration agents who demonstrated “exemplary service” during the 43-day government shutdown. Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized that essential workers who continued working without paychecks would be recognized for their efforts.
Noem stated during a press conference at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport that the federal government would reward TSA agents who “showed up each and every day” and took on extra shifts. The bonuses were given to roughly two dozen TSA agents present during the event.
“No one should have been forced to work without pay, but those who stepped up will be recognized,” Noem said. “We will be looking at every single TSA official who helped serve during this government shutdown and do what we can to recognize that and help them financially with a bonus check.”
The secretary also noted that the TSA would introduce new security screening lanes for families with small children, as well as for veterans and active-duty military. The department continues to recognize government employees nationwide who “stepped up” during the shutdown.
