If this story were part of Tyler Perry's Madea movie franchise, it might be titled Madea Forgets Federal Rules.
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Perry, who created and portrayed the foul-mouthed character, arrived at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport in Atlanta yesterday, March 26, to help give TSA workers some financial relief. They haven't been paid since Feb. 14 because of a government shutdown.
However, the A-Town resident and billionaire couldn't follow through on his benevolent idea, and it has nothing to do with the fact that Madea usually totes a gun in her handbag. We have the details below.
Why Couldn't Tyler Perry Help TSA Agents?
While Perry's heart was certainly in the right place, strict federal rules prevented him from carrying out his plan. According to the Department of Homeland Security, TSA workers are not allowed to accept gifts while on duty.
As the New York Post reports, Perry put his envelopes of cash away and did the next best thing. He spent time shaking hands with and talking to the beleaguered agents. He thanked them for sticking it out during the shutdown. Apparently, just being there boosted workers' morale.
Relief Could Be On the Way
TSA agents haven't been paid after the start of a partial government shutdown that began last month when the White House and the Democrats failed to agree on legislation to fund the Department of Homeland Security.
Since then, security lines at airports have experienced significant delays. Travelers have been advised to arrive several hours early to make their flights. Meanwhile, reports indicate that some TSA agents are facing financial hardship while awaiting their pay.
Things could change soon, though. President Donald Trump announced yesterday that he plans to sign an emergency order to ensure TSA agents are paid during the shutdown. He shared his intention on Truth Social yesterday.
He wrote, "I am going to sign an Order instructing the Secretary of Homeland Security, Markwayne Mullin, to immediately pay our TSA Agents in order to address this Emergency Situation, and to quickly stop the Democrat Chaos at the Airports. It is not an easy thing to do, but I am going to do it!"
