Border Czar Slams Congress for Paid Vacation as TSA Agents Struggle Without Pay

Tom Homan calls out lawmakers for inaction as DHS shutdown disrupts airport operations

Mar. 29, 2026 at 5:34pm

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White House border czar Tom Homan criticized Congress for remaining on vacation while TSA officers struggle to pay rent and feed their families during the ongoing Department of Homeland Security funding impasse. Homan argued that the pay issue extends beyond just TSA agents, with other DHS personnel like the Coast Guard and Secret Service also going without paychecks.

Why it matters

The partial government shutdown has left thousands of federal workers, including critical transportation security personnel, without pay, raising concerns about the impact on airport operations and public safety. Homan's comments highlight the human toll of the political gridlock in Washington.

The details

Homan told CNN's Jake Tapper that unpaid TSA agents were struggling to make ends meet, while Congress remained deadlocked over DHS funding. He said the administration is working to get TSA agents paid, potentially as soon as Tuesday, but noted that the issue extends beyond just TSA to other DHS agencies like the Coast Guard and Secret Service. Homan also discussed the deployment of ICE agents to airports to help with security and staffing pressures, saying they've helped decrease wait times in some locations.

  • The DHS funding fight has stretched into a sixth week.
  • Homan spoke with Tapper on Sunday's 'State of the Union' program.
  • President Trump signed a memorandum on Friday directing DHS to begin paying TSA employees.

The players

Tom Homan

The former acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) who now serves as the White House's border czar.

Jake Tapper

The host of CNN's 'State of the Union' program where Homan was interviewed.

Markwayne Mullin

The Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security who Homan spoke with about a plan to get TSA agents paid.

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who signed a memorandum directing DHS to begin paying TSA employees.

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What they’re saying

“These TSA officers are struggling. They can't feed their families or pay their rent. Your heart goes out to them because they're sitting there right now working very hard and not being paid by members of Congress [who are] now on vacation, getting paid. It's ridiculous.”

— Tom Homan, White House Border Czar

“Well, as soon as Congress opens up the government and funds the Department of Homeland Security, that's what needs to happen. But yeah, I talked to Secretary Markwayne Mullin yesterday. There is a plan to get these TSA agents pay. Hopefully by tomorrow, Tuesday.”

— Tom Homan, White House Border Czar

“Paying TSA agents doesn't pay the rest of the Department of Homeland Security. You got the Coast Guard, you got the men and women [of the] Secret Service, you got a lot of people working for Homeland Security [who] aren't getting paid.”

— Tom Homan, White House Border Czar

What’s next

The administration is working to get TSA agents paid as soon as Tuesday, but the broader issue of DHS funding remains unresolved as the partial government shutdown continues.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the human toll of the political gridlock in Washington, with critical federal workers struggling to make ends meet while lawmakers remain at an impasse. It underscores the need for a swift resolution to the DHS funding fight to ensure airport security and public safety are not compromised.