Seattle airport opens pantry for unpaid TSA workers

SEA opened a food pantry collecting non-perishables and hygiene items for unpaid TSA workers; DHS funding has lapsed amid a congressional stalemate.

Seattle–Tacoma International Airport opened a food pantry to assist unpaid Transportation Security Administration workers and is seeking donations of non-perishable food, hygiene items and baby supplies. The airport has run similar drives during previous federal shutdowns and says some dining and retail tenants are contributing. DHS funding lapsed about a month ago amid a congressional stalemate over immigration enforcement, and proposed measures to fund parts or all of the department failed. What's known: - SEA established the pantry and is collecting non-perishables, hygiene products and baby supplies for TSA employees. - Airport officials say security wait times remain about 10–12 minutes, with 93% of travelers clearing screening within 20 minutes. - The TSA and travel industry representatives have noted many officers live paycheck to paycheck; the agency reported more than 1,100 departures during last year’s extended shutdown. - Donations are subject to federal ethics regulations. Summary: The pantry aims to provide short-term assistance to TSA employees who are not receiving pay while DHS remains unfunded. Security operations at SEA have not shown major delays so far. Undetermined at this time.