Several airports in predominantly blue cities are refusing to air a video featuring Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. In the video, Noem criticizes Democrats for causing air travel delays due to the ongoing government shutdown. She claims that the shutdown has negatively impacted operations at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), where many employees are currently working without pay.
Noem, who oversees the TSA, emphasizes in the video that ensuring a pleasant and efficient airport experience is a top priority. However, she points out that the lack of funding from Congress is affecting TSA operations and staffing. “Democrats in Congress refuse to fund the federal government, and because of this, many of our operations are impacted,” she states.
Airports that have chosen not to broadcast the advertisement include Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Portland International Airport in Oregon, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in Washington, and three airports in New York: Niagara Falls International Airport, Buffalo Niagara International Airport, and Westchester County Airport. These decisions have been made in line with airport policies, as noted by spokespeople from the airports.
While TSA agents continue to work during the shutdown, they are doing so without pay. Travelers have already begun to experience delays and cancellations, attributed to staffing shortages resulting from the shutdown.
As the situation unfolds, the Senate is scheduled to meet on Tuesday afternoon to vote on a House-passed continuing resolution aimed at funding the government and ending the shutdown, which has now lasted 14 days.
