Portland, Oregon. (coyne) – For the second time under the Trump administration, Portland International Airport has refused to display a political video message from the Transportation Security Administration.
As first reported oregoniana video that blames Democrats for the current partial government shutdown.
A spokesman for the Port of Portland told KOIN 6 News that PDX declined to show the video due to its politically motivated nature. Hatch Acta law that limits the partisan political activities of federal employees.
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The Port of Portland, which operates PDX, confirmed to KOIN 6 News on Monday that the airport received a request from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to display a video message about the government shutdown, but PDX did not agree to play the video.
“We believe the Hatch Act clearly prohibits the use of public property for political purposes and messaging. Additionally, Oregon law provides that no public official may advance or oppose any political committee, party or affiliate,” a spokesperson for the Port of Portland said.
The government shutdown stems from differences between Democrats and Republicans in Congress over funding for the Department of Homeland Security. Congressional Democrats are demanding changes to the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement strategy after the fatal shootings of Alex Pretty and Renee Goode by federal immigration authorities in Minneapolis.
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This is the third closure in a year, leaving TSA workers temporarily without pay. Associated Press Reports indicate that these workers will have to wait for back pay once the sector reopens.
During the shutdown, long security lines formed at airports across the United States.
The Associated Press reported that “the Department of Homeland Security posted on its X account last week that more than 300 TSA agents have resigned since the government shutdown began.”
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This is the second time during the Trump administration that the Port of Portland has refused to show TSA video.
October, TSA releases video of outgoing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noemonce again blaming Democrats for the government shutdown. As secretary of Homeland Security, Noem oversees the Transportation Security Administration.
“The Transportation Security Administration’s top priority is to ensure you have the most enjoyable and efficient airport experience while keeping you safe,” Secretary Noem said in the video.
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“However, Democrats in Congress refuse to fund the federal government, and as a result, many of our operations are suffering and the majority of our TSA employees are working without pay,” she added.
Back in October, the Port of Portland similarly refused to air the video over concerns it would violate the Hatch Act.
KOIN 6 News has reached out to the Transportation Security Administration and Department of Homeland Security.
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