Several major airports in the U.S. have opted not to play a video featuring Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem as she criticizes Congressional Democrats regarding the ongoing government shutdown and its effects on TSA operations.
Personal Service Announcements meant for display at TSA checkpoints are being rejected at multiple airports nationwide.
Noem, who oversees the TSA, highlighted that the agency has been particularly affected by the shutdown, with many employees working without pay due to a delay in federal funding that has lasted over two weeks.
A video released last Thursday aimed to inform travelers waiting in security lines why TSA workers are currently unpaid. In the video, Noem stated, “TSA’s top priority is to deliver the most comfortable and efficient airport experience possible while keeping our customers safe. However, Congressional Democrats are refusing to fund the federal government, so many of our operations have been affected, and most TSA employees are working without pay.”
She expressed hope that Democrats would soon recognize the necessity of reopening government offices to prevent delays that could impact travel.
However, TSA officials have warned that extended closures could lead to longer wait times as the reduced workforce slows operations.
Republicans have labeled the funding situation the “Schumer shutdown,” specifically targeting Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer for blocking funding bills on multiple occasions. The House of Representatives has already passed a bill ensuring federal funding will continue until November 21.
Airports including New York’s JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark Liberty, as well as those in cities like San Francisco, Seattle, Chicago, and Philadelphia, have chosen not to broadcast the video. Officials from these locations cited policies against airing political content on airport management screens and raised concerns about potentially violating the Hatch Act, which restricts political activities of certain federal and state officials.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul commented, saying, “When Kristi Noem is not busy defunding New York’s police, she seems intent on sending a patently false, blatantly partisan message to travelers. Here in New York, we remain focused on keeping the flying public safe, and that means no political ads in our airports.”
