LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — At Harry Reid International Airport, the effects of the ongoing government shutdown are becoming increasingly visible, as Transportation Security Administration officers continue working without pay.
Former President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that he plans to sign an order directing the Department of Homeland Security to immediately pay TSA agents, calling the situation at airports across the country an “emergency.”
The announcement comes as frontline officers face mounting financial hardship.
According to a union representative at the airport, roughly 100 TSA officers are calling out each day, many because they can no longer afford to report to work.
“These employees are not calling off for any other reason other than they’re unable to make it to work,” said Keith White, a TSA union representative. “Financially, they’ve been burdened. Gas is five dollars a gallon.”
Union leaders say weeks without pay have pushed some employees to extreme measures.
“I’ve heard of employees that are sleeping in their cars,” White said. “I’ve heard of employees that have to sell plasma. I’ve heard of employees that have to pick up second jobs.”
As the shutdown drags on, missed paychecks are compounding financial strain for many workers.
“As we approach this Friday, this will be the third paycheck that employees have missed,” White said. “They missed their paycheck in March when rent was due, and now it’s going to be April. That’s two rents, two mortgages, two car notes that we’ve missed.”
The current shutdown is now approaching the length of the longest in U.S. history. Workers say the situation feels all too familiar.
“Initially, that was 43 days the first time,” White said. “Now we’re on day 40, trying to maintain and pay our bills.”
The funding stalemate in Washington stems from an ongoing dispute over the Department of Homeland Security budget, with political divisions continuing to delay a resolution.
One traveler at the airport expressed frustration over the situation.
“They should have always been paid from the beginning,” the traveler said. “They are frontline. I consider them essential workers… to make sure that 9/11 doesn’t happen again.”
While the proposed order could provide temporary relief, union representatives say it does not address the underlying issue.
White said he supports efforts to end the shutdown but emphasized the need for a long-term solution to protect TSA workers from future financial disruptions.
There is currently no clear timetable for when agents will receive the pay they have already earned.
Nationwide, the TSA union reports that approximately 400 employees have left the agency since the shutdown began.
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