As Washington faces another deadline to fund the Department of Homeland Security, thousands of federal workers—including TSA agents in Houston—could go without pay if a deal isn’t reached by 11 CT PM tonight.
For some, the financial scars from the last shutdown are still fresh.
Facing the Possibility Again
TSA agent Njukia Njukia first experienced the harsh impact of a government shutdown when missed paychecks forced him into eviction court. Just months later, he’s bracing for a repeat.
“I’m really hoping they’ll work something out. As a federal employee, the way this really affects us is your sense of security,” Njukia said.
At airport checkpoints, travelers may see security lines as usual, but behind the scenes, anxiety is building. Many officers feel caught in a political battle over DHS funding, especially regarding immigration enforcement policy.
“I still have to pay my bills. I still need somewhere to stay. Even if you have savings, it’s like, how long will this last?” Njukia added.
Preparing for the Worst
After the last shutdown, Njukia started paying rent in advance and saving more to avoid another crisis. The community also stepped in to help him stay afloat.
“I’ve been paying my rent ahead and saving more money,” he said.
With his lease ending soon, the fear hasn’t gone away. Finding a new place is daunting when paychecks could be uncertain.
“I would need the first month’s rent, last month’s rent, and all those other fees. So, I’m nervous about that,” Njukia explained.
Community Support
Local organizations are stepping up to help if a shutdown occurs. The Houston Food Bank has assisted TSA workers before and is ready to do so again.
Click click2houston.com for updates on other groups offering support for federal employees during a potential shutdown.