Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem announced on Thursday that TSA agents with “exemplary service” during the federal government shutdown will receive $10,000 bonus checks. Noem stated that under President Trump, the bonuses are given to TSA officers who went above and beyond during the Democrats’ shutdown. They guaranteed that America wouldn’t shut down – no matter how badly the Democrats wanted average Americans to feel the pain. The unsung patriotism deserves recognition. President Trump and Noem are grateful for these patriots.

Noem said the bonus checks, on top of their back pay, are “for stepping up, taking on extra shifts, for showing up each and every day.” She announced the bonuses at a press conference in Houston flanked by agents, and said others across the country would be recognized. “We will be continuing to not only recognize employees across the country, but we will be looking at every single TSA official who helped serve during this government shutdown, and do what we can to recognize that and help them financially with a bonus check to get them and their family back on their feet,” Noem said.

Noem mentioned there were “tens of thousands of individuals who stepped up and continued to serve” during the last six weeks. When asked whether that was referring to those who did not call out sick or stay home for other reasons, Noem said, “that’s not necessarily the parameters.” “We’re going to look at every individual that did exceptional service during this period of time when there were so many hardships,” she said.

President Trump earlier this week said he would recommend a $10,000 bonus for air traffic controllers who worked through the government shutdown. For those Air Traffic Controllers who were GREAT PATRIOTS, and didn’t take ANY TIME OFF for the ‘Democrat Shutdown Hoax,’ I will be recommending a BONUS of $10,000 per person for distinguished service to our Country,” Trump said on Truth Social.

I agree @POTUS. Air traffic controllers NEED to show up for work! To those who have worked throughout the shutdown — thank you for your patriotism and commitment to keeping our skies safe. I will work with Congress to reward your commitment.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on Thursday distributed $10,000 bonus checks to more than 20 TSA officers at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, thanking them for staying on the job during the 43-day government shutdown. Noem traveled to Houston for a news conference marking the first day of the federal government’s long-awaited reopening.

In total, several thousand TSA workers will receive the bonuses. The recipients were noted by their supervisors for going “above and beyond” and for “exemplary” work amid the shutdown.