Fetterman slams Democrats for leaving TSA workers unpaid: 'These are not wealthy people'

WASHINGTON, DC: Sen. John Fetterman criticised Democrats over the partial government shutdown linked to withholding funds from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its sub-agencies like the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

During an appearance on 'Hannity' on Wednesday, March 25, he made the remarks as lawmakers rushed to break the impasse ahead of a planned two-week recess, with both Democrats and Republicans expressing concerns over the proposed compromise.

John Fetterman slams shutdown and highlights impact on workers and public services

During his appearance on the show, he underscored the financial strain on workers, stating, "Angry, they are frustrating. They're exhausting to what they've been put through. Now. These are not wealthy people. They earn around $50,000 a year. That should be our wheelhouse."

He continued, "I mean, they're union government workers. And now, if we refuse to give them a paycheck, no, don't talk about affordability. So it's always wrong, regardless, whatever the party's doing it, shutting down our government."

Pointing to the widespread disruption caused by the shutdown, Fetterman concluded, "You can see the kinds of chaos that's created across our right now."

Speaking Tuesday on America’s Newsroom, Fetterman reiterated his opposition to the shutdown, stating that he would not support what he described as the “mess” it has created. He said, “I refuse to always vote to shut our government down, and I would never be a part of this mess.”

He added that he has been in regular contact with TSA agents, many of whom are struggling without pay after missing their first full paycheck earlier in March. “They earn, average, about $50,000 a year. They rely on their paychecks. Now, even not being paid, they have to face those crowds,” said Fetterman of TSA agents.

The shutdown has resulted in long lines at major airports across the country, including New York, New Jersey, Atlanta, and Houston. With paychecks halted, several agents have called out or taken up temporary work elsewhere.

GOP leaders clash with Democrats over DHS funding and ICE reforms

In response to airport disruptions, President Donald Trump announced that ICE agents would be deployed to assist TSA staff. Writing on Truth Social, Trump said, “On Monday, ICE will be going to airports to help our wonderful TSA Agents who have stayed on the job despite the fact that the Radical Left Democrats… are endangering the USA by holding back the money that was long ago agreed to.”

He also stated that ICE agents working at airports should not wear masks, a practice criticised during immigration enforcement operations. Democrats have declined to support DHS funding bills without reforms to ICE, instead proposing targeted funding measures for specific DHS branches such as the TSA, an approach Republicans have rejected. 

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said, “We have to rein in ICE and stop the violence. We need reform,” referencing concerns following two deadly shootings involving federal agents in Minneapolis in January.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune said the GOP plan would fund 94% of DHS while withholding $5.5 billion from ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations. He argued that reform demands are tied to funding, stating, “If you're not going to have funding, I don't know how all of a sudden now you can demand reforms.”

Sen. Patty Murray emphasized that Democrats are continuing to push for “modest reforms,” adding that “reforms must make it into law.” While she described meetings with the White House as “productive,” she criticised the administration, saying negotiations would improve if the president refrained from making “new and unreasonable demands” on social media.

She also noted challenges in reaching consensus, stating it is difficult to find common ground when Republicans themselves appear divided.