Overview
- On the first day of the government’s reopening, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem gave $10,000 checks to more than 20 TSA agents at Houston’s Bush Intercontinental Airport.
- Noem said additional agents across the country will be recognized, and MSNBC reported the broader bonuses are expected to reach several thousand workers with high performance marks.
- An internal DHS memo obtained by MSNBC states the bonus money comes from fiscal 2025 carryover funds, while detailed eligibility rules and the nationwide scope remain unresolved.
- The 43‑day shutdown strained airport operations, with the FAA reducing flights at about 40 airports and Houston seeing multi‑hour security lines and significant delays.
- Delta said it plans to restore full operations in the coming days as services normalize, and Noem’s airport video blaming Democrats prompted Hatch Act concerns from Democratic leaders.