January 1, Unpaid TSA food crisis sparks airport aid amid shutdown delays

Wyatt’s Take

• TSA workers are performing high-stress security duties without receiving paychecks.
• A local food bank delivered 8,000 pounds of supplies for affected federal staff.
• The Department of Homeland Security shutdown began after Senate funding negotiations failed.

Working families are paying the price while the federal government stays shuttered over political games in Washington.

Essential security workers at Pittsburgh International Airport are now relying on charity to put food on the table.

The Pittsburgh International Airport and the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank launched their partnership this week.

They are providing prepackaged meal boxes and fresh produce to Transportation Security Administration staff.

Airport officials are also stepping in to handle basic logistical tasks to keep travelers moving.

Twice-weekly free lunches are being served to help those who have worked for five weeks without pay.

“We want to make sure that we’re doing everything we can to assist, to help streamline that security experience, as well.”

— Bob Kerlik, an airport official.

The shutdown began on Valentine’s Day after the Senate failed to reach a funding agreement.

Democrats have reportedly blocked funding until their demands for tighter restrictions on ICE and Border Patrol are met.

“These workers, they’re essential to keep our region not only safe but moving.”

— Brian Gulish of the Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.

“If TSA workers weren’t at the airport, no one would be traveling.”

The food bank has committed to staying at the airport as long as the funding stalemate continues.

Local leaders say the community must support neighbors facing this season of financial uncertainty.

Wyatt Matters

Middle Americans believe you earn a paycheck by showing up and doing the job.

Using border security and working livelihoods as bargaining chips is a slap in the face to common-sense values.