U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem awarded $10,000 bonus checks to several dozen Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport TSA agents on Sunday, and announced that her department will be spending $1 billion to improve TSA technology and operations.
Noem praised the Minnesota workers’ dedication during the government shutdown despite hardships that came from working without pay, noting that TSA employees across the country are being recognised with bonuses. She has not specified how many TSA officers qualify for the bonuses.
“I just want to express my deep, great gratitude for all of you,” she said. “I’m thankful for individuals who serve in TSA, who serve in our airports and security checkpoints with dignity, integrity and a happy attitude every day.”
The checks for Minnesota workers came a day after Noem visited Las Vegas, also handing out bonuses to TSA workers there.
Nationally, only 776 air traffic controllers and technicians who had perfect attendance during the government shutdown will receive $10,000 bonuses, while nearly 20,000 other workers will be left out, the Federal Aviation Administration said last week.
President Donald Trump suggested the bonuses for those who have stayed on the job in a social media post, along with suggesting that air traffic controllers who missed work should have their pay docked. FAA officials haven’t publicly announced plans to penalise controllers.
$1B improvements planned
Noem spoke Sunday about her department’s $1 billion planned investment in TSA security checkpoints at airports across the United States, first announced in Las Vegas.
“We will be putting over $1 billion into new scanning equipment, new X-ray equipment, AIT equipment and resources for all of you so that you will be able to do your jobs well, accurately, efficiently and make it easier and will you more time to enjoy not just your positions at work while you’re serving but to do so with confidence, knowing that we are keeping our passengers safe,” Noem said.
This report includes information from the Associated Press.
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