Overview
- Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem handed out the first checks to about two dozen TSA officers at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport.
- Officials say several thousand agents who earned high performance marks during the 43‑day shutdown are expected to receive the $10,000 payment.
- Specific criteria for the awards remain unclear as TSA conducts a nationwide review of personnel records to determine who qualifies.
- The bonuses are in addition to back pay now being processed for federal employees who worked or were furloughed during the lapse in funding.
- Air travel operations are recovering after FAA flight limits tied to controller shortages, and the White House has floated similar $10,000 bonuses for controllers, which have not been finalized.