Delegates decry shutdown; TSA, others working without pay

McCOOK, Neb. -- Along with 47,000 other TSA agents across the nation, the Transportation Service Administration officers in McCook are being required to work without pay during one of the longest government shutdowns in American history.

“Unfortunately, now we find ourselves in the midst of a government shutdown over needed funding to secure our southern border,” said Sen. Deb Fischer. “It’s disappointing that this critical national security issue has been politicized. Border security has support from Republicans and Democrats. In fact, my long-standing position on border security is something my Democrat opponent publicly agreed with in this last election. It is my hope we can come together and move forward in a sensible way on this issue.”

At her request, Sen. Fischer’s paychecks are being held and she will not receive pay until the shutdown ends.

“It is deeply unfortunate so many Americans, including our farmers and ranchers, are being impacted by the ongoing government shutdown,” U.S. Rep. Adrian Smith said. “My House colleagues and I passed legislation in advance of the deadline to fund the entire federal government – including much-needed improvements to border security – but it ultimately failed due to the desire of some to keep our borders open and susceptible to illegal activity. I continually hear from people across Nebraska’s Third District who believe securing our borders should be a top priority and this is why I will continue to support President Trump’s agenda to do just that.

In a call to the Gazette Monday afternoon, a local TSA agent reported that the local staff is impacted by the shutdown, but -- like government employees at other local agencies -- they are not being allowed to speak to the media.

Instead, the local agent referred the newspaper reporter to TSA media representatives, James Gregory and Michael Bilello. Calls were placed to both, but as of this morning, neither had responded.

As was reported Monday, the Farm Service Agency and Farm Loan office employees in McCook are also affected by the government shutdown. Like the TSA agents, they are not being paid, but they are not being forced to work as are the TSA employees.

In the midst of the prolonged shutdown, President Donald Trump will be going on national television tonight to address the issue. Residents of this region will be able to view the President's remarks beginning at 8 p.m. (CST).