Some airports in the United States (US) in various parts of the country are refusing to air a video message from US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in which she blames Democrats for the federal government shutdown and the impact of the shutdown on Transportation Security Administration (TSA) operations, citing its political content.
Airport authorities in Las Vegas, Charlotte, Atlanta, Phoenix, Seattle and others say the video violates airport policies or regulations prohibiting political messages at their facilities.
Various government agencies have adopted language blaming Democrats for the government shutdown in emails to employees and on websites, and some experts say this could violate a 1939 law that prohibits federal employees from engaging in certain political activities.
Due to the government blockade, routine operations have been halted, and airports are experiencing flight disruptions.
Democrats are demanding that their health care demands be considered in order to unblock the government and pass a budget, while Republicans say they will not negotiate until they agree on a budget and government funding.
The US federal government officially shut down on October 1 for the first time since 2019, after Congress failed to pass the funding measure necessary to continue operating.
Republicans are insisting that Democrats accept a temporary funding extension for another seven weeks, while Democrats are refusing to provide support without major concessions, with a focus on health care.
In the video, Secretary Noem says that TSA's priority is to make travel enjoyable and efficient and keep travelers safe.
"However, Democrats in Congress are refusing to fund the federal government, and as a result, many of our operations have been affected, and most of our TSA employees are without pay," Noem says.
The Transportation Security Administration falls under the Department of Homeland Security. About 61.000 of the agency's 64.130 employees must continue to work during the lockdown.
The ministry said on Friday that the video was being sent to airports across the country.
Even in states where Republicans are in power, airport authorities have refused to show the video, citing various reasons.
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