A Transportation Security Administration official warned that TSA officers’ absences due to the partial government shutdown have “adversely impacted security operations,” according to a new report.
As a result of the partial government shutdown, TSA employees, who are considered essential, have been required to work without pay during the shutdown — including over the holidays. Despite reports of widespread absences, the agency has said that the partial shutdown wouldn’t jeopardize security effectiveness.
But Martin Elam, the deputy federal security director overseeing five California airports, submitted an internal email to TSA personnel at Palm Springs International Airport that “excessive” absences have hurt security operations.
“Management is appreciative and sensitive to the burden the ongoing government shutdown is placing on each one of you,” Elam wrote in the email, obtained by CNN. “You are an essential employee and you are required to report for work to carry out essential duties.”
The report comes after Chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., cautioned that the partial shutdown could cause a breakdown of safety protocols.
In a letter to TSA administrator David Pekoske on Monday, Thompson requested more information on TSA’s shutdown policy, how many TSA officers have not showed up for work, and whether there is still adequate staffing at all airports.
The partial shutdown affects approximately 800,000 federal employees.
[Read more: Government shutdown over Trump’s wall taking a toll on US air travel]
