Trump says he is ready to support deal to pay TSA workers
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump said he will not stand in the way if the U.S. Senate moves forward on a plan to fund most of the Department of Homeland Security, including Transportation Security Administration workers at airports.
A proposal on the table would get money flowing to employees in the TSA, Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Coast Guard who have been working without pay for more than a month. It could have an immediate affect on airports like Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International where TSA personnel issues caused by the shutdown have led to extremely long lines and frustrated travelers.
The details are being finalized, but Trump said if Senate Republicans tell him it’s the best way forward he is willing to go along, even if he is not fully happy.
“We are going to take a good hard look at it,” he told reporters during an event at the Oval Office on Tuesday.
Members of the U.S. Senate discussed the framework of a deal during their weekly lunch meetings where Republicans and Democrats gather separately to talk about legislation and priorities. Republicans emerged saying the ball is in Democrats court; Democrats said they will review and offer a response but that changes may be needed.
“We need strong, strong reforms, and we need to rein in ICE,” Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said in response to questions about the framework.
Chaos at Atlanta airport
A partial government shutdown has left TSA workers unpaid for weeks, causing many to seek other work or childcare. Meanwhile security lines have ballooned with officials estimating wait times could reach four hours.
Live updates: What we’re seeing from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Paychecks arriving: Atlanta TSA employees begin receiving backpay. Future pay remains uncertain.
Worst waits: Why have airport lines seemed worse at ATL? The reasons are many.
Airport reports: The latest Atlanta airport wait times, as reported by passengers
How bad is it: Tell us about your ATL wait time
Donations: How to help TSA officers
Staying away: ICE presence makes airport a no-fly zone for immigrant community
Changing flights: Delta extends flight change flexibility because of security waits
ICE Deployment: ICE at Atlanta airport appear to step into some TSA functions
Security debate: Should the Atlanta airport privatize security? TSA woes raise the question.
Horror story: This traveler waited 9 hours in line
AJC Editorial: Congress must act now
Opinion: The airport perks for Congress may be drying up, not a minute too soon
Photos: Scenes from a packed airport
Pay divide: TSA workers are unpaid during shutdown; not so for members of Congress
Shutdown strain: TSA workers weigh showing up or staying afloat
Flight missed: Here’s the best food in every concourse
Complete coverage: Atlanta airport
Senate Republicans have floated a plan to fund DHS, with the exception of immigration enforcement. Republicans could then begin working on a separate package using the budget reconciliation process, which could be approved without the support of Democrats.
This legislation would include immigration and Border Patrol funding as well as address a second Trump priority: the elections package known as the SAVE America Act.
If this is the case, the deal aligns most with a proposal Democrats have been offering up for weeks but falls short of some of the policy changes for addressing Immigration and Custom Enforcement policies they have demanded.
The difference maker could be Trump’s blessing, or at least his willingness not to stand in the way.
Georgia U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff said there is no agreement between the two parties yet, but Democrats remain resolute that TSA workers should be paid as negotiations on DHS funding and immigration enforcement continue.
“Ten times we’ve moved to fund TSA; 10 times now Senate Republicans have blocked funding,” Ossoff said. “It’s time to fund TSA.”
A group of Republican senators met with White House officials late Monday and emerged optimistic that a plan to end the partial shutdown was coming together. Those talks apparently led to the latest two-part framework.
About the Author
Tia Mitchell is the AJC’s Washington Bureau Chief and a co-host of the "Politically Georgia" podcast. She writes about Georgia’s congressional delegation, campaigns, elections and the impact that decisions made in D.C. have on residents of the Peach State.
