LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — The Las Vegas airport won’t play a video the place Homeland Safety Secretary Kristi Noem blames Democrats for the federal authorities shutdown.
Leaders at Harry Reid Worldwide Airport adopted their counterparts at airports in Chicago and Phoenix in making their resolution. On Monday, The Washington Submit reported these main cities, and a handful of others, declined to play the video.
Within the video meant to play as vacationers await screening, Noem blames Democrats for the shutdown. Amid that shutdown, federal employees, together with TSA screeners, will not be getting paid.
“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,” Noem says within the video. “However, Democrats in Congress refused 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.”
FILE – On this March 19, 2020, file picture a aircraft takes off at Harry Reid Worldwide Airport, in Las Vegas. (AP Picture/John Locher, File)
“Harry Reid International Airport has declined to display a recently provided TSA video, as its content included political messaging that did not align with the neutral, informational nature of the public service announcements typically shown at the security checkpoints,” an airport spokesperson mentioned. “Per airport regulations, the terminals and surrounding areas are not designated public forums, and the airport’s intent is to avoid the use of the facility for political or religious advocacy.”
The federal authorities shut down on Oct. 1 after Congress did not go a price range. Whereas Republicans management each homes of Congress, a handful of Democrats should cross the aisle and vote with Republicans for a price range to go. Most Democrats are holding out for an growth of Inexpensive Care Act subsidies to be included in any package deal.
Airport leaders added that Noem’s messaging might violate a federal regulation, which bans political exercise in authorities workplaces.
“Additionally, as a facility that hosts federal operations, we remain mindful of the Hatch Act’s restrictions on political activity in government workplaces,” the spokesperson mentioned. “We remain committed to providing travelers with clear information that supports a smooth and efficient screening process.”
A request for remark from Clark County Commissioners went unanswered Monday.
It was not instantly clear how a lot cash the video’s manufacturing price taxpayers.
