Photo: David Tran / iStock Editorial / Getty Images
Tampa, FL - Kristi Noem visited Tampa International Airport this week to recognize Transportation Security Administration officers who continued working through the 43 day federal government shutdown.
During her visit, Noem presented $10,000 bonuses to TSA officers who were nominated for outstanding performance while federal employees across the country were going without pay.
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According to information provided at the event, the bonuses were limited to officers who were formally recommended for their conduct during the shutdown period.
About 25 TSA officers in Tampa received the one time payments on Monday, in addition to the back pay issued when the government reopened.
Noem said the employees selected for the award demonstrated consistent reliability despite the uncertainty of when their next paycheck would arrive.
Some TSA officers described the shutdown as a financially stressful time.
Abby Inglee, who has worked for TSA for four years, said she had to stretch her final paycheck to make ends meet.
Another officer, Philice Barker, said reporting for duty without pay was challenging but necessary to keep screening operations running smoothly at a major airport.
Officers noted that the bonus will help them repay borrowing and other expenses taken on during the shutdown.
Walid Chaieb, a 14 year TSA veteran, said many employees turned to friends or financial institutions for temporary assistance.
Noem stated that the award recipients continued to prioritize passenger safety throughout the shutdown, a period that included record travel volume over the Thanksgiving holiday.
She added that more nominations may be considered in the future.