By Jim Mishler | Wednesday, 25 March 2026 05:50 PM EDT
Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) has introduced legislation that would provide a 10% bonus to Department of Homeland Security employees who have worked without pay during the government funding lapse.
The proposal would direct DHS agencies to issue a one-time payment to affected workers within 24 hours after funding is restored, but it would not restore missed paychecks.
Gallego stated the legislation would apply to Transportation Security Administration officers and other essential personnel, though some Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents would be ineligible due to prior legislative protections for their wages.
“For weeks of continuous service, TSA agents have been keeping our families safe,” Gallego said. He blamed Republicans for the impasse and noted that Democrats have voted against DHS funding measures to protest certain immigration enforcement policies.
The legislation aims to recognize workers’ sacrifices, with Gallego stating they “deserve recognition for their sacrifice.”
According to DHS contingency planning, approximately 95% of TSA employees are classified as essential and must continue working during a government shutdown. Many workers have already missed one paycheck and could miss another if lawmakers fail to reach a funding agreement.
Acting TSA Administrator Ha McNeill reported that staffing shortages have worsened since the funding lapse began on February 14, with about 460 officers leaving the agency. Absenteeism rates at some airports have reached as high as 40% to 50%.
McNeill added: “Some are sleeping in their cars, selling their blood and plasma, and taking on second jobs to make ends meet.”
The staffing crisis has led to extended lines at airport security checkpoints during the busy spring travel season. President Donald Trump recently deployed Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers to assist at 14 airports to address disruptions.
The funding dispute centers on disagreements over immigration policy. Senate Republicans have blocked Democrats’ efforts to pass a measure that would fund TSA and other DHS agencies separately from immigration enforcement.
Billionaire Elon Musk has stated he would consider covering TSA workers’ pay during the shutdown, though specific details remain unclear.
