A video in which Homeland Security Secretary Kristine Noem blames congressional Democrats for travel delays during the federal government shutdown is expected to play at airport security checkpoints across the country — but not at PDX.
The Port of Portland, which operates Portland International Airport, said it has declined to display the video, saying it could violate state and federal laws that prohibit using public assets and employees to disseminate an explicitly partisan message.
Video messages at Transportation Security Administration checkpoints often include greetings from officials, assurances of security and speed, and instructions for what to remove from bags and place in bins.
In the video, Noem quickly pivots from such assurances to assigning blame for the federal government shutdown to Democratic lawmakers.
“It is TSA’s top priority to make sure that you have the most pleasant and efficient airport experience as possible while we keep you safe,” says Noem, whose department oversees the TSA. “However, Democrats in Congress refuse to fund the federal government, and because of this, many of our operations are impacted, and most of our TSA employees are working without pay.”
“We will continue to do all that we can to avoid delays that will impact your travel, and our hope is that Democrats will soon recognize the importance of opening the government,” Noem adds.
The shutdown, now in its 11th day, doesn’t appear headed for an expedient resolution. Republicans have asked congressional Democrats to vote for a stopgap bill to reopen the government, but Democrats are holding out for a firm commitment to extend health care benefits set to expire. The impasse appears set to continue into next week.
TSA agents continue to work, along with the military, law enforcement agencies and other parts of the government deemed critical. Federal law requires retroactive back pay for those workers once the shutdown concludes.
A Port of Portland spokesperson said it had received a request to play the video at its newly revamped security checkpoints but had declined.
“We did not consent to playing the video in its current form, as we believe the Hatch Act clearly prohibits use of public assets for political purposes and messaging,” said Molly Prescott, the spokesperson. “Additionally, Oregon law states no public employee can promote or oppose any political committee, party, or affiliation. We believe consenting to playing this video on Port assets would violate Oregon law.”
The TSA did not immediately respond to emailed questions. The agency told CNN it had distributed the video to airports nationwide.
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