On Monday, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), who is running for re-election, dropped off lunch for TSA agents working without pay.
AUSTIN, Texas — Travelers have faced long security lines at Austin’s airport this week with South by Southwest (SXSW) and spring break underway amid a partial government shutdown that is affecting TSA staffing.
On Monday, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), who is running for re-election, dropped off lunch for TSA agents working without pay.
The senator’s gesture comes as the partial government shutdown over funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) continues. Cornyn said Democrats are to blame for blocking the funding bill.
But Congressman Greg Casar (D-Austin) also showed up at Austin’s airport on Monday, saying it’s Republicans who are to blame.
“There’s a bipartisan bill to fund just the TSA,” Casar told Cornyn in a conversation outside the airport. “Can we do that senator?”
“Not acceptable,” Cornyn replied.
On Capitol Hill, the main holdup on DHS funding is rules for Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is encouraging Democrats to get behind a petition to fund DHS except for ICE, but it’s unclear if it will get enough signatures.
“Instead of bringing people burgers, [Cornyn] should bring them their paychecks, which involves funding TSA,” Casar told media outside Austin’s airport. “He’s refused to fund TSA, so he’s bringing them burgers.”
“Unfortunately, what’s happening in Washington, D.C., now, thanks to Chuck Schumer, is an absolute disgrace,” Cornyn said. “They’ve taken the wrong hostage. They’ve decided not to pay the men and women who are keeping us safe in our airports and in our skies in order to try to extract some sort of political advantage.”