To pay TSA officers during shutdown, Trump weighs sidestepping Congress

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: Washington Post

March 26, 2026 at 3:06 p.m. EDT


The White House is weighing unilateral action to pay Transportation Security Administration officers if Senate Democrats and Republicans cannot quickly agree to a deal on the Department of Homeland Security’s budget, people familiar with the discussions said Thursday.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-South Dakota) described the potential plan to Republican senators in a closed-door lunch. The move would sidestep Congress as millions of travelers face record security delays, largely because of staffing problems at TSA.

Five people familiar with the comments spoke about the plan on the condition of anonymity to discuss private conversations.

Asked about Thune’s comments, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said “it is true the White House is having discussions about a number of ideas to blunt the impact of the Democrat shutdown crisis, but no preparations or plans are currently underway. The best and easiest way to pay TSA Agents is to fund DHS.”

Read more: https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2026/03/26/trump-tsa-unilateral-payment/

---

No paywall (gift)

They have been operating illegally since January 20, 2025 12:01 pm.

[bluestarone]

1. BASTARDS!!!

Break the laws and constitution every day!! Edit to add that these fuckers will also say the Democrats refused to pay TSA workers and try to BLAME us for everything!! It's coming!!

[James48]

2. The Anti-Deficiency Act makes that a felony.

Just another in the string of affronts to our Constitution.

Since it’s a 2-year felony, one can make a Citizens arrest for such an act.


The Antideficiency Act (ADA) is a federal law (31 U.S.C. §§ 1341-1519) that prohibits federal employees from obligating or spending funds before they are officially appropriated by Congress or in excess of the amounts approved. It protects congressional authority over public finances, enforcing fiscal discipline by establishing strict administrative and criminal penalties for violations, including fines, imprisonment, or removal from office.
U.S. Government Accountability Office

Key Requirements and Prohibitions
No Overspending: Agencies cannot incur obligations in excess of the amount available in an appropriation or fund.
No Advance Spending: Obligations cannot be made before appropriations are received.
Voluntary Services Prohibition: Federal employees cannot accept voluntary services, except for emergencies involving the safety of human life or protection of property.

Fund Control: Agencies must implement regulations to prevent overspending, including apportionments and administrative subdivisions.

Exceptions to the Act
Emergencies: Statutory exceptions exist for emergencies involving the safety of human life or the protection of property, although this does not include routine, ongoing government functions.
Other Law: Expenditures authorized by other specific laws.
U.S. Government Accountability Office


Penalties for Violations
Violations of the ADA can lead to severe consequences:
Administrative Sanctions: Officials may face actions such as suspension from duty without pay or removal from office.
Penal Sanctions: Individuals who "knowingly and willfully" violate the act may be fined up to
$5,000, imprisoned for up to two years, or both

[Bayard]

3. I like that removal from office and imprisonment idea

[BumRushDaShow]

4. They have been wantonly violating the anti-deficiency act

as well as the impoundment and administrative procedures acts all this past year.

[littlemissmartypants]

5. Why don't they just anoint him king and be done with it?

Why all of the pussy grabbing footing around?