In a significant gesture of recognition, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced substantial bonus payments to Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers who demonstrated exceptional service during the recent 43-day US government shutdown. Speaking at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas, Noem personally handed out envelopes containing $10,000 (£7,581) bonuses to nearly two dozen agents, praising their dedication and resilience. The bonuses, funded by leftover taxpayer dollars from government savings, aim to compensate officers for their unpaid work and extra shifts during the shutdown. Noem emphasized that these officers upheld the mission of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) by ensuring the safety of American travelers despite immense challenges. The shutdown, which began on October 1 due to a funding impasse in Congress, officially ended on November 13. During this period, air travel faced nationwide disruptions, exacerbated by staffing shortages among air traffic controllers and TSA agents. Many agents worked without pay, took on additional shifts, and endured significant hardships. Noem stated that DHS would evaluate every employee who contributed during the shutdown and reward those who performed exceptionally. The exact criteria for bonus eligibility remain unclear, but the initiative highlights the administration’s efforts to acknowledge the sacrifices of federal workers. Representatives for DHS and the TSA labor union have yet to comment on the announcement.