Democratic senators are raising concerns over a video being shown at certain Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints, which features Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem blaming Democrats for the ongoing government shutdown. The 37-second clip, aimed at travelers in security lines, has sparked accusations of politicizing air travel inappropriately.
Senator Maria Cantwell from Washington expressed her dismay in a letter addressed to the Office of the Special Counsel, asserting that Noem’s statement incorrectly attributes responsibility for the government shutdown and its effects on airport operations and TSA employees working without pay to “Democrats in Congress.” She emphasized that this video is not only misleading but may also violate the Hatch Act, a law designed to maintain the nonpartisan nature of federal services. Cantwell urged for an immediate investigation into the matter.
Additionally, Senators Richard Blumenthal and Jack Reed, joined by 15 Democratic co-signers, criticized the video in another letter, claiming it contravenes the Anti-Lobbying Act, which forbids the use of federal funds for lobbying Congress.
Designated by the Department of Homeland Security as a “public service announcement,” the video has been aired in a few airports such as those in Detroit, Bismarck, North Dakota, and Albany, New York. However, many airports have decided against showcasing it on their screens. In the video, Noem encourages the resolution of the government shutdown, stating, “We will continue to do all that we can to avoid delays that will impact your travel, and our hope is that Democrats will soon recognize the importance of opening the government.”
In response, GOP Representative Lauren Boebert from Colorado labeled it “unacceptable” that more airports are not displaying the video and announced her intention to contact the Department of Transportation about these refusals.
Legal experts are questioning the validity of DHS requiring airports to air the video and the potential ramifications for those that choose not to comply. Senators Blumenthal and Reed highlighted the insensitivity of politicizing a situation where federal employees, including TSA agents, are already facing financial hardships due to the shutdown. They have called for the immediate detriment of these videos and requested a detailed account of the resources spent on their production and distribution.
As debates unfold, the situation highlights the tension between governmental operations and political messaging, raising significant questions about ethical practices in public communications.