Airports Support TSA Workers During Shutdown

0:00On March 12, major airports are stepping up to support transportation security administration officers working without pay during the Department of Homeland Security shutdown. This comes at a busy time with spring break travel in full swing. Denver International Airport is calling for $10 and $20 gift cards for groceries and gas from the public. Meanwhile, Seattle Tacoma International Airport has set up a food pantry and is seeking donations of non-perishable food, hygiene products, and baby supplies. Many TSA workers live paycheck to paycheck on average salaries of about $35,000 a year. During last year's longer shutdown, over 1,100 officers quit, marking more than a 25% increase from the year before. These efforts follow federal ethics rules, allowing specific gift cards but banning cash or prepaid ones like visa cards. Some makers have pushed separate funding ideas for agencies like TSA, but both sides

1:00proposals have stalled. As the nearly month-long standoff continues, TSA agents face their first missed full paycheck on Friday, leaving airports to fill the gap for now.