The Democratic chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee warned Monday that the ongoing government shutdown could eventually lead to a breakdown of safety protocols that protect U.S. citizens on airlines around the country.
Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., asked the Transportation Safety Administration for more details about reports that TSA officials are taking sick days because of the shutdown. He said that while most officials appear to be showing up for work, the situation could get worse as the shutdown continues.
“I appreciate TSA’s statement that ‘security effectiveness will not be compromised and performance standards will not change’ due to staffing shortages,” Thompson wrote to TSA administrator David Pekoske.
“However, I am concerned if wait times and public pressure increase, some TSA managers may try to manage the effects of the shutdown in ways that are detrimental to security,” Thompson added. “The security of aviation passengers must always be paramount.”
CNN reported over the weekend that some TSA officials were calling in sick, even though, as Thompson noted, TSA officers are “required to work without pay during the shutdown.”
In his letter to Pekoske, Thompson asked him for more details about the TSA’s shutdown policy, how many TSA officers have not showed up for work, and whether there is still adequate staffing at all airports.
READ: Chairman Thompson writes @TSA today on the security and workforce effects the #TrumpShutdown is having on the agency. pic.twitter.com/48GQEyvgMf
— Committee on Homeland Security (@HomelandDems) January 7, 2019
