"SAN FRANCISCO -- Several airports across the country, including the three of the biggest here in the Bay Area, say they do not plan to display a new video from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. In the video, Noem says that TSA's "top priority" is to help make travel pleasant and efficient while keeping passengers safe. Noem blames Democrats in congress for the ongoing government shutdown and any related travel delays."
"Oakland, San Francisco, and San Jose airports all tell ABC7 News they do not plan to show the video, saying it violates either state, federal, or internal rules that prohibit the use of public resources for political activity. Airports in Las Vegas, Charlotte, Atlanta, Phoenix, Seattle also will not play the video. Various government agencies, in emails to workers and on websites, have adopted language that blames Democrats for the shutdown, with some experts arguing it could be in violation of the 1939 Hatch Act, which restricts certain political activities by federal employees."
"The shutdown has halted routine operations and left airports scrambling with flight disruptions. Democrats say any deal to reopen the government has to address their health care demands, and Republicans say they won't negotiate until they agree to fund the government. Insurance premiums would double if Congress fails to renew the subsidy payments that expire Dec. 31. MORE: Government shutdown hits air travel, closing a control tower and causing delays across the country The Transportation Security Administration falls under the Department of Homeland Security. Roughly 61,000 of the agency's 64,130 employees are required to continue working during the shutdown."
Multiple major U.S. airports, including Oakland, San Francisco, and San Jose, refuse to display a video from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, citing prohibitions on using public resources for political activity. The video says TSA's "top priority" is to make travel pleasant and efficient while blaming Democrats in Congress for the government shutdown and related travel delays and noting many TSA employees are working without pay. Airports in Las Vegas, Charlotte, Atlanta, Phoenix, and Seattle also will not play the video. Experts warn some agency language may violate the 1939 Hatch Act. The shutdown has disrupted operations, caused flight delays, and left roughly 61,000 of TSA's 64,130 employees required to continue working without pay; subsidy expirations could double insurance premiums if Congress does not act by Dec. 31.
Read at ABC7 San Francisco
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