Democratic Colorado Rep. Jason Crow faced sharp questioning Sunday over his party's continued support for the partial government shutdown, which has left Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers unpaid and disrupted operations at Denver International Airport, a major economic hub in his district. During an appearance on CBS's 'Face the Nation,' host Margaret Brennan pressed Crow on why Democrats are defending the shutdown despite its direct harm to his constituents.
'This is hurting your community. How do you continue to defend the shutdown?' Brennan asked, noting TSA agents near Crow's district are relying on donated gift cards to make ends meet.
Crow shifted blame to Republicans, asserting they are responsible for the shutdown despite Senate Democrats voting overwhelmingly to block funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agencies, including TSA. He pointed to a Democratic House bill that would fund most DHS agencies except Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), accusing Republicans of blocking its passage. Brennan countered by highlighting the immediate impact on TSA workers as spring break travel season looms, but Crow reiterated his claim that Republicans 'own this shutdown.'
Economic Impact at Denver Airport
The shutdown has disrupted operations at Denver International Airport, a key driver of regional economic activity. TSA workers, who are among the federal employees not receiving paychecks, have turned to community support to cover basic needs. Crow's defense of the shutdown strategy underscores the political divide over immigration enforcement, with Democrats prioritizing changes to ICE and CBP funding while Republicans push for full DHS reopening. The impasse leaves critical agencies like FEMA and the Coast Guard in limbo, raising concerns about national security and disaster response capabilities.