Senator John Cornyn faced a heated confrontation at his own press conference on Monday when a Democratic lawmaker interrupted the event at Austin airport. The Texas Republican found himself challenged by Representative Greg Casar, a Democrat, who criticized Cornyn’s gesture of offering Whataburger meals to Transportation Security Administration employees amid the ongoing government shutdown.

Casar took issue with Cornyn’s actions, pointing out that the shutdown centered around disagreements on funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). While Democrats have offered to fund only the TSA, Republicans are pushing for comprehensive funding that includes the Department of Homeland Security and ICE, especially after a recent controversy involving the agency.

Addressing the media, Casar remarked, “Just last week, Democrats proposed a bill to fully fund the TSA, but Senator Cornyn and his Republican colleagues blocked it. It’s puzzling to see him holding a press conference about TSA funding when he’s been obstructing it.”

When a reporter questioned Casar’s statement, he clarified that Democrats had indeed rejected funding proposals that bundled TSA with ICE funding. However, they are ready to pass a standalone bill for TSA funding.

In conclusion, Casar urged, “Senator Cornyn should back his words with action.”

‘Senator Cornyn should put his money where his mouth is,’ Casar then said.

At that moment, Cornyn showed up beside him – asking Casar why the Democrats were refusing to pay TSA workers.

‘Let’s do it, let’s do it,’ Casar responded. 

Republican Senator John Cornyn (right) points his finger at Democratic Representative Greg Casar (left) outside the Austin airport Monday as the two Texans tussled over TSA funding

‘No, you do it!’ Cornyn shot back, pointing his finger.

‘Let’s talk for a second senator,’ the Democrat said. ‘There’s a bipartisan bill to fund just the TSA, can we do that together?’ 

Cornyn called the idea ‘not acceptable.’  

The Republican pointed to the recent mass shooting on Austin’s Sixth Street calling it a ‘terrorist attack.’

‘Do you want those to continue?’ he asked Casar, who represents parts of Austin and San Antonio. ‘These people are keeping us safe. Tell the Democrats to vote for funding the DHS.’ 

Casar replied, ‘let’s talk about each one.’ 

‘Would you fund the TSA with me, no?’ the Democrat asked. 

At that point an aide interrupted to say it was time to pass out the Whataburgers, with Cornyn walking away. 

The public spat comes as Republican Senator John Cornyn is fighting for his political future as he faces a runoff race against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. President Donald Trump has said he’ll endorse one of the Republicans, but hasn’t done so yet 

‘Instead of bringing people burgers, he should bring them their paychecks. Which involves funding TSA,’ Casar told reporters. ‘He’s refused to fund TSA, so he’s bringing them burgers.’ 

The tiff comes as Cornyn battles for his political future. 

Cornyn is competing in a runoff for the Republican nomination for the Senate seat he’s held since 2002.

His rival, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, is the more MAGA-aligned candidate.

President Donald Trump chose not to endorse ahead of the primary. 

The day after the election, Trump teased that he would get behind either Cornyn or Paxton – and demand the other candidate drop out ahead of the May runoff election. 

The Atlantic reported that Trump was likely to select Cornyn, since he came in ahead of Paxton and polls better against the Democrats’ pick, state Representative James Talarico. 

Nearly two weeks have gone by and Trump still hasn’t selected a candidate. 

The Department of Homeland Security’s short-term funding expired on Feb. 14, marking a nearly five-week span during which the agency has been partially shut down.