Government officials sharing a message on an airport videoboard isn't new. But using that platform to cast blame on political opponents? That might be unprecedented.
A new video featuring Department of Homeland Security Sec. Kristi Noem will play at airports across the U.S. according to reports, where the Trump administration seeks to blame Democrats for the government shutdown, and a lack of funding for things like TSA workers.
The report initially shared by Fox News, shows Noem giving a warning to travelers about possible changes to operations due to Transportation Security Administration workers not getting paid.
The government shutdown is now entering its second week, and risks TSA employees missing a paycheck if it continues.
“It is TSA’s top priority to make sure that you have the most pleasant and efficient airport experience possible while we keep you safe,” says Noem in the video. “However, Democrats in Congress refuse to fund the federal government, and because of this, many of our operations are impacted and most of our TSA employees are working without pay. We will continue to do all that we can to avoid delays that will impact you. Our hope is that Democrats will soon recognize the importance of opening the government.”
According to The Hill, a DHS spokesperson confirmed to them that the “public service video” would be rolling out in airports soon and again shared Noem’s message verbatim.
Shutdown rolls into second week
The consequences of a government shutdown setting in, senators labored Thursday and Friday to find a way forward but found themselves struggling to overcome a fundamental lack of trust between the two parties.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune on Thursday afternoon floated an “off ramp” to the government funding impasse, suggesting that he could hold a later vote on expiring health care subsidies if Democrats would first support a stopgap spending bill to reopen the government.
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer quickly dismissed the idea. “It’s nothing new, they say it all the time. It doesn’t do anything to make sure we get health care.”
The exchange showed how congressional leaders remain trapped in a stalemate on the ninth day of the government shutdown despite the growing toll of federal closures. Government offices nationwide have shuttered, hundreds of thousands of federal employees have been furloughed and U.S. military troops and other government employees are on track to miss a scheduled payday.
Thune's overture suggested one possible path forward, but it was unclear how serious the offer was or whether it would lead to any real negotiations with Democrats. Still, pressure is growing on congressional leaders to reach a deal as rank-and-file lawmakers grew anxious about the lack of progress on ending the shutdown.
One Democratic senator who has pressed for a compromise, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, argued that the offer from Thune showed there is a growing desire among Republicans to reach a deal on Democrats' demand to extend subsidies for health plans offered under the Affordable Care Act.
“There needs to be official negotiation and until that happens, it’s unlikely that things will get done,” she said.
Still, President Donald Trump and Republicans have so far held to the stance that they will only negotiate on Democratic demands around health care benefits after they vote to reopen the government. They also say Schumer is beholden to the left wing of his party and only staging the shutdown fight to stave off a primary challenge.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.