A new message featuring Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem greeting travelers debuted at airports nationwide on Thursday afternoon.
Noem addresses the government shutdown in a video played at security check lines in U.S. airports. In the message, she blames Democrats in Congress for the shutdown, affecting multiple airport operations.
“It is TSA’s top priority to make sure that you have the most pleasant and efficient airport experience possible while we keep you safe,” Noem begins the brief video snippet. “However, Democrats in Congress refuse to fund the federal government, and because of this, many of our operations are impacted, and most of our TSA employees are working without pay.”
As Secretary of Homeland Security, Noem oversees the Transportation Security Administration, the federal agency that conducts airport security checks. Starting earlier this year, videos of Noem discussing travel-related security issues have appeared at airport security checkpoints.
“We will continue to do all that we can to avoid delays that will impact you,” Noem added. “Our hope is that Democrats will soon recognize the importance of opening the government.”
The video comes as the government shutdown entered its ninth day on Thursday. TSA employees working at airports are currently doing so without pay due to the shutdown. Should the government shutdown extend beyond Oct. 14, TSA employees will reportedly not receive their first paycheck.
SENATE DELIVERS SEVENTH FAILED SHUTDOWN VOTE AS TROOPS, FEDERAL WORKERS APPROACH PAYDAY
The shutdown is expected to last beyond Oct. 14 after the Senate failed to approve a short-term spending bill on Thursday. It was the seventh such time a bill has failed to pass in the Senate, the Washington Examiner previously reported.
It is believed the Senate will hold a session on Friday before leaving for the weekend. A recess was initially scheduled for next week, but Senate leadership is expected to alter those plans in hopes of finding a resolution to end the shutdown.