At Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport on Sunday, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and local Transportation Security Administration leaders announced $10,000 bonus payments for nominated TSA employees who continued working through a 43‑day federal government shutdown.

"You have been recognized for these bonuses by people that you serve with... by your supervisors," Noem said, explaining that nominations are made locally and forwarded to TSA Headquarters. She said the payments were intended to reward employees who ‘‘showed up when people were counting on you.’’

Three TSA employees spoke about the personal and family impact of the shutdown. Alex Garcia, a supervisor in TSA Minnesota’s coordination center and a Marine Corps veteran, said, "I sacrificed a lot of personal time with my family... to ensure the safety of the traveling public." He thanked his wife and children for their support.

Transportation Security Officer Steve Grubb described financial strain during the shutdown while his wife—also a federal employee at the Department of Housing and Urban Development—was without pay and undergoing cancer treatment. Grubb thanked donors and colleagues for help such as gas cards and said the bonus would let him visit a son deployed over the holidays.

Jonathan Pringle, who joined TSA about 18 months ago, said his large household had stretched savings after the death of his eldest son and that donations and the bonus "is gonna help out a lot" for mortgage and holiday expenses.

Noem framed the payments as part of taking care of the DHS workforce and said the agency has sought to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent ‘‘appropriately’’ to keep security systems operating.

The announcement was administrative: No vote or legislative action was recorded in the event. Noem also encouraged staff to accept the recognition and to spend time with family during the Thanksgiving season.

The event closed with thanks to staff and a brief question period; the bonuses were presented to the identified employees and described as already arranged through the department’s nomination and approval process.