Border Security Director Criticizes TSA Funding Issues
On this past Sunday’s “State of the Union,” Tom Homan, the White House Border Security Director, expressed frustration over the current financial struggles faced by TSA agents. He highlighted the absurdity of lawmakers in Washington failing to resolve funding for the Department of Homeland Security while TSA employees find it difficult to cover basic expenses like rent and groceries.
“TSA agents are struggling. They can’t feed their families, they can’t pay their rent,” Homan told Jake Tapper. “It’s disheartening to see them working hard without any pay while some legislators are on vacation receiving their salaries. It’s just ridiculous.”
His comments came amid an ongoing six-week impasse regarding DHS funding, which has led to significant disruptions in airport operations. Some TSA and Homeland Security employees have resigned due to the lack of pay.
Homan stressed the urgency of resolving the funding issues, stating, “This has to be addressed the moment Congress reopens the government and allocates funds to the Department of Homeland Security.” He mentioned a conversation with Commissioner Markwayne Mullin, indicating there was a plan in place to pay TSA workers, hopefully by Tuesday.
However, Homan also pointed out that the TSA payment situation is just a part of a larger problem. If TSA employees receive pay, many other DHS workers would still be left unpaid.
“Just paying TSA agents doesn’t cover the salaries for everyone else in the Department of Homeland Security,” he explained, referencing the Coast Guard and the Secret Service as examples of those still awaiting paychecks.
During the interview, Tapper questioned whether President Trump could have resolved this payment issue sooner. Homan’s response was rather uncertain. “Honestly, I don’t know. I’m a police officer, and appropriations laws aren’t my area. But I’m glad that President Trump is finally able to pay TSA agents. It’s at least a start.”
He also noted that ICE officers play a crucial role in airport security and staffing challenges. Though long lines remain an issue, some ICE agents were deployed to assist a week ago.
When asked if those agents would leave once TSA workers were paid, Homan replied, “We’ll see. It depends on how many TSA agents actually return and how many decide to quit altogether.”
Homan elaborated on the supportive functions of ICE officers, which include helping with background checks and managing exit lane coverage, all aimed at ensuring TSA officers can concentrate on screening processes. He mentioned that this deployment has led to noteworthy improvements, citing reduced wait times in certain locations.
President Trump signed a memorandum directing the Department of Transportation to start making payments to TSA workers, with officials anticipating that they might see their first checks as soon as Monday or Tuesday.
