The United States Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, announced on Saturday (November 22) in Las Vegas that the department will invest $1 billion to upgrade airport security screening systems.
During her visit to Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas on Saturday, Noem unveiled a major investment plan exceeding $1 billion. This funding will be used to procure new security screening equipment for scanning luggage and passengers, as well as to enhance employee training.
“This is the largest investment we have made in security screening technology in years,” Noem said. She emphasized that the new technology and training will significantly improve security screening efficiency and threat identification capabilities, with a key measure being a significant increase in the training and deployment of K9 teams.
“One of the most effective things we can do at security checkpoints is to deploy K9 teams, so we will be training and increasing the number of K9 teams,” she said, noting that the new equipment and technology are expected to be gradually rolled out at airports nationwide in the coming months.
Noem also highlighted the recent 43-day government shutdown in the United States, during which many TSA employees continued to work without pay.
She awarded bonus checks to Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees onsite to recognize their dedication to working without pay during the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, ensuring the continuous operation of airport and aviation security.
“We are amazed at the ability of security checkpoint and aviation security officers to continue working and excel at their jobs. They are working with a smile despite not getting paid,” she said.
At the event, Noem presented $10,000 bonus checks to multiple TSA employees. The recipients were selected through recommendations from their colleagues, supervisors, and relevant parties who acknowledged their exceptional efforts.
One TSA employee shared their experience during the shutdown, saying, “This is the first time I have experienced a government shutdown, and it was really tough. I depleted my savings.”
Another employee recalled that despite not being able to pay bills or prepare meals for their family, everyone still put in their best effort to fulfill their work duties.
Noem stated that she had personally awarded bonuses to TSA employees in various locations across the country recently to acknowledge their dedication during the shutdown. It is currently unclear how many employees will receive bonuses in the end, but this is at least the second time Noem has publicly distributed checks.
She previously pledged that the Department of Homeland Security will review each TSA employee who continued to serve during the shutdown, and will provide economic assistance and recognition through bonus checks whenever possible.
Emphasizing that ensuring passenger safety and providing a smooth, enjoyable travel experience is a crucial government responsibility, Noem said, “We know that our responsibility is not only to ensure passenger safety, but also to make sure they can arrive at their destination safely, happily, and comfortably, to share wonderful experiences with their families.”