Overview
- Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem began issuing the payments by handing $10,000 checks to more than 20 TSA agents at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport.
- DHS says the bonuses recognize 'exemplary service' such as extra shifts and sustained coverage during the 43–44 day shutdown, though Noem said perfect attendance is not a strict requirement.
- Administration officials said several thousand TSA employees are expected to receive the payouts following a TSA-led review to identify recipients across the country.
- An internal DHS memo reported by MSNBC says the money will come from fiscal year 2025 carryover funds, while back pay is also being processed for affected federal workers.
- Air travel operations are recovering after the shutdown, with FAA flight reductions at major airports holding at 6% as staffing stabilizes, and President Trump has floated similar $10,000 bonuses for air traffic controllers.