On January 15, 2019, President Trump directed the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to pay all of its employees, despite the ongoing government shutdown, which has left many federal workers without pay. The move is seen as an effort to alleviate the financial burden on DHS employees, who are considered essential personnel and are required to work during the shutdown. According to a statement from a DHS spokesperson, “The president has directed the department to ensure that all employees receive their pay, as we continue to work to resolve the shutdown and secure our borders.”
As the shutdown entered its 25th day, many DHS employees were facing financial difficulties, with some having to rely on food banks and other forms of assistance to make ends meet. The president’s decision is expected to affect over 50,000 DHS employees, including Border Patrol agents, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers, and Secret Service agents.
“I blinked twice when I heard the news, it’s a huge relief for me and my family,” said Maria Rodriguez, a DHS employee from El Paso, Texas.
The decision to pay DHS employees comes as lawmakers continue to negotiate a deal to end the shutdown, which has been sparked by a dispute over funding for a border wall. While some have praised the president’s move, others have criticized it as a temporary solution that does not address the underlying issues. The shutdown has already had a significant impact on the US economy, with estimates suggesting that it has cost the country over $6 billion in lost productivity. Meanwhile, the number of TSA agents calling in sick has increased by 50% since the shutdown began, with many citing financial difficulties as the reason.
In terms of what happens next, lawmakers are expected to continue negotiations over the weekend, with a possible vote on a deal to end the shutdown as early as next week. The president’s decision to pay DHS employees is seen as a step in the right direction, but many are waiting to see if it will have a broader impact on the shutdown. As one DHS employee noted, “This is a temporary fix, but we still need a long-term solution to this problem.” The shutdown has also had a significant impact on the national economy, with the Federal Reserve warning that it could lead to a slowdown in economic growth if it continues for an extended period.