Former Official Warns of Aviation Security Risks Amid Government Shutdown
A former official from the Obama administration expressed concerns on Thursday that a government shutdown might result in a “collapse of aviation security” in the United States.
Democrats have blocked funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and called for new limits on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after the tragic shooting of Alex Preti and Renee Nicole Good during a protest against federal immigration actions in Minneapolis last January. Jeh Johnson, a former Homeland Security Secretary, told “Morning Joe” hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski that airport wait times might increase as TSA employees retire.
“What I’m about to say is meant for both parties in Congress. Honestly, what’s happening right now seems utterly insane,” Johnson commented. “We are in a highly dangerous environment due to the ongoing conflict, specifically a war against Iran, a state that sponsors terrorism. Yet, the government agencies responsible for keeping Americans safe are currently underfunded, having been so for the past month and a half.”
He elaborated, “If you look closer, you’ll discover that the DHS agencies, particularly CBP and ICE, which have upset Democrats, are technically funded through discretionary funds and aggressive reprogramming. Meanwhile, the TSA, which engages with the public the most, is lacking funding right now.”
In response to the partial shutdown of the DHS, President Donald Trump ordered ICE officers to assist the TSA at airports in an attempt to manage lengthy wait times. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Boris Johnson assured that members of parliament would remain unaffected.
“I’m genuinely worried that what’s unfolding right now could seriously undermine the aviation security in our country. Hundreds of TSOs are leaving,” Johnson stated. “For instance, in Atlanta, which happens to be our busiest airport, about 40 percent of TSOs didn’t show up for work this week. As you all are reporting, lines are stretching to four or five hours, and Congress is about to head off for spring break.”
Brzezinski remarked, “Good luck getting through that,” to which Johnson responded, “And when travelers finally arrive at the airport, they are not going to wait in line for four or five hours.”
In light of the situation, Delta Air Lines announced on Tuesday that it would halt “professional services” for members of Congress during the airline’s shutdown, which includes ending airport escort and “red coat” services. A Senate vote on a DHS funding package is scheduled, but discussions between the two parties have yet to yield an agreement.
