President Donald Trump has signed a memorandum ordering that all U.S. Department of Homeland Security employees receive pay and benefits during a partial government shutdown nearing the end of its seventh week.
More than 35,000 employees have gone payless during that time, according to Trump. In addition to Transportation Security Administration workers whose absences have disrupted airport operations around the country, the list has also included cybersecurity agency professionals and employees of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
“As President of the United States, I have determined that these circumstances constitute an emergency situation compromising the Nation’s security,” Trump wrote.
In the order, titled “Liberating the Department of Homeland Security From the Democrat-Caused Shutdown,” Trump directed Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin to work with Office of Management and Budget director Russell Vought to use funds with “a reasonable and logical nexus to the functions of DHS to provide each and every employee of DHS with the compensation and benefits that would have accrued to them if not for the Democrat-led DHS shutdown.”
