Here’s what was said.
Americans are being reminded once again what happens when Washington gridlock drags on too long—and this time, it’s hitting the very people responsible for keeping the country safe.
White House border czar Tom Homan didn’t hold back during a Sunday appearance on State of the Union, calling out Congress for allowing frontline security workers to go without pay while lawmakers remain stuck in a funding stalemate.
“This Is No Way To Treat American Workers”
Homan made it clear that the situation facing Transportation Security Administration officers is unacceptable.
“These TSA officers are struggling to make ends meet,” he said. “They’re showing up, doing their jobs, protecting this country—and some can’t even pay rent or feed their families.”
At the same time, members of Congress continue collecting paychecks while negotiations over the Department of Homeland Security budget remain unresolved.
For many Americans watching at home, the contrast is hard to ignore.
DHS Funding Standoff Drags On
The funding dispute has now stretched into weeks, disrupting airport operations nationwide and placing enormous strain on federal workers.
Homan confirmed he recently spoke with Markwayne Mullin about efforts to resolve the issue and restore pay to TSA agents quickly.
“The government needs to be funded—that’s the bottom line,” Homan said. “There’s a plan in motion to get TSA workers paid, and it could happen very soon.”
The Bigger Problem: Thousands Still Unpaid
While progress may be coming for TSA employees, Homan warned that many others remain left behind.
Workers across Homeland Security—including the United States Coast Guard and the United States Secret Service—are still serving without pay.
“This isn’t just about TSA,” Homan emphasized. “There are thousands of dedicated men and women still doing their jobs without a paycheck.”
Trump Steps In With Immediate Action
When asked why payments weren’t issued sooner, Homan acknowledged the complexity of government funding rules—but pointed to decisive action from Donald Trump.
“I may not understand all the legal language,” Homan said, “but I do know this—President Trump is making sure these workers finally get paid. That’s what matters.”
Trump signed a memorandum directing DHS to begin compensating TSA personnel, with payments expected to begin within days.
ICE Agents Step Up To Keep Airports Running
In the meantime, the administration has deployed U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to assist at airports across the country.
These agents are helping with:
- ID checks before screening
- Monitoring exit lanes
- Supporting overwhelmed TSA staff
The goal is simple: keep Americans safe while reducing long airport lines.
According to Homan, the strategy is already working.
“In places like Houston, wait times have been cut nearly in half,” he said. “We’re sending more agents where they’re needed.”
What Happens Next?
Whether ICE support continues will depend on how many TSA workers return—and how many may have already left due to financial strain.
That uncertainty highlights a deeper concern: how long can critical national security roles be sustained under political deadlock?
The Bottom Line
For millions of Americans—especially those who prioritize border security and strong national defense—this situation raises serious questions.
- Why are essential workers forced to go unpaid?
- Why does Washington act only after weeks of pressure?
- And how many more disruptions will it take before long-term solutions are put in place?
Homan’s warning was clear: this is not just a funding issue—it’s a matter of national responsibility.
