TSA airport video: Some airports refuse to play Noem video on shutdown impact, saying it's political
Share this @internewscast.com

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Numerous major airports across the nation are declining to display a video from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. In this video, she attributes the federal government shutdown and its repercussions on TSA operations to Democrats, citing its political nature as the reason for the refusal.

Airports in locations such as New York, Atlanta, Chicago, Las Vegas, Charlotte, Phoenix, and Seattle, among others, cite airport policies or rules that forbid political messages within their premises as the basis for not showing the video.

Various government bodies have communicated to employees and posted on websites language that holds Democrats responsible for the shutdown. Some specialists suggest this may violate the 1939 Hatch Act, which limits certain political actions by federal workers.

The shutdown has disrupted regular functions and thrown airports into a frenzy dealing with flight interruptions. Democrats insist any agreement to end the shutdown must address their healthcare requirements, while Republicans demand a resolution to fund the government first. Without an extension of the subsidy payments before they lapse on December 31, insurance premiums are expected to double.

In the video, Noem says that TSA’s “top priority” is to help make travel pleasant and efficient while keeping passengers safe.

“Nevertheless, Democrats in Congress refuse to fund the federal government, impacting many operations and requiring most TSA employees to work without compensation,” Noem states.

The TSA is a part of the Department of Homeland Security. Approximately 61,000 out of 64,130 employees are mandated to continue their duties during the shutdown. The Department announced on Friday that the video is being distributed to airports nationwide.

A DHS spokeswoman responded to a request for comment restating some of the message from Noem’s video.

“It’s unfortunate our workforce has been put in this position due to political gamesmanship. Our hope is that Democrats will soon recognize the importance of opening the government,” spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which operates JFK International Airport, LaGuardia Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport, said it would not air the videos, citing rules against “politically partisan messages.”

The Chicago Department of Aviation said advertising and public service announcements must follow guidelines that “prohibit content that endorses or opposes any named political party.” The Harry Reid International Airport, in Las Vegas, said it had to “remain mindful of the Hatch Act’s restrictions.”

“Per airport regulations, the terminals and surrounding areas are not designated public forums, and the airport’s intent is to avoid the use of the facility for political or religious advocacy,” the statement said.

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said the county north of New York City won’t play the video at its local airport. In a statement, he called the video “inappropriate, unacceptable, and inconsistent with the values we expect from our nation’s top public officials,” and said its tone is “unnecessarily alarmist” as it relates to operations at Westchester County Airport.

“At a time when we should be focused on ensuring stability, collaboration and preparedness, this type of messaging only distracts from the real issues, and undermines public trust,” he said.

Even in red states, airports weren’t showing the video for various reasons. Salt Lake City International Airport wasn’t playing the video because state law prohibits using city-owned property for political purposes, said airport spokesperson Nancy Volmer.

The airport in Billings, Montana, “politely declined” even though it has screens that could show the video with audio, assistant aviation director Paul Khera said Tuesday.

“We don’t want to get in the middle of partisan politics,” Khera said. “We like to stay middle of the road, we didn’t want to play that video.” ___

Associated Press writers Rio Yamat in Las Vegas and Mead Gruver in Fort Collins, Colo. contributed to this report.

.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
China immediately begins trialing its most advanced amphibious assault ship

China Launches Trial of State-of-the-Art Amphibious Assault Ship, Marking Milestone in Naval Advancements

China has embarked on sea trials for its most sophisticated amphibious assault…
Cause of death revealed for Cleto Escobedo, Jimmy Kimmel's longtime friend and bandleader

Unveiling the Heartbreaking Cause Behind Cleto Escobedo’s Passing: Remembering Jimmy Kimmel’s Cherished Bandleader

Since the inception of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” in 2003, Cleto Escobedo III…
Man, 47, found dead on Randalls Island with severe head trauma

Tragic Discovery: Authorities Investigate Mysterious Death of 47-Year-Old Man on Randalls Island

On Friday morning, authorities discovered the body of a 47-year-old man, lifeless…
Newlyweds found dead days before celebrating their first anniversary: police

Tragic End: Newlywed Couple’s Lives Cut Short in Apparent Murder-Suicide Just Days Before Anniversary

Editor’s Note: This article discusses sensitive topics, including suicide. If you or…
‘Protector’ father of nine slain after minor crash spirals into deadly road rage clash

Devoted Father of Nine Tragically Killed in Escalating Road Rage Incident

A tragic incident unfolded in California as a 49-year-old father of nine…
MSNBC's Wallace: 'Cracks in the MAGA Coalition Are Getting Bigger and Bigger by the Day'

Unraveling the MAGA Coalition: MSNBC’s Wallace Exposes Growing Divisions

On Friday’s episode of MSNBC’s “Deadline,” host Nicolle Wallace asserted that the…
Michigan adopts sex education standards recommending students be taught gender identity, sexual orientation

Michigan Updates Sex Ed Guidelines to Include Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation

The Michigan State Board of Education has officially endorsed updated sex education…
Epstein Files Discharge Petition Hits House Milestone

Epstein Files Discharge Petition Reaches Significant Milestone in the House

The movement to force disclosure of government-held Jeffrey Epstein records has reached…
Base jumper saved off the Grand Canyon

Dramatic Helicopter Rescue Saves BASE Jumper Stranded on Canyon Cliff

A daring rescue unfolded earlier this week near Moab, Utah, capturing attention…
Dem Sen. Cory Booker Does Not Shy Away From Answering Query About Chuck Schumer’s Future

Senator Cory Booker Addresses Questions on Chuck Schumer’s Future with Confidence

Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey has recently brought to light a…
Bryan Kohberger fights $27K restitution for victims’ families while taking money behind bars

Bryan Kohberger’s Unexpected Jail Windfall: Court Orders Compensation to Victims’ Families

An Idaho court disclosed that Bryan Kohberger, a convicted murderer, amassed substantial…
Brooklyn woman poured hot cooking oil on boyfriend, severely burning him: NYPD

Shocking Assault in Brooklyn: Woman Uses Hot Oil in Brutal Attack on Boyfriend

Authorities are actively searching for a woman who assaulted a 38-year-old man…