Jay Byars, a Republican candidate for South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District, and Frankie Staropoli, a candidate for Dorchester County Council, took a moment on Sunday to personally serve barbecue to Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees at Charleston International Airport.
This gesture comes amid the ongoing partial government shutdown, which has left TSA workers and other Department of Homeland Security (DHS) employees working without pay.
Support for TSA Workers During the Shutdown
Since February 14, 2026, TSA workers have been among the 260,000 DHS employees who have continued their work without compensation, due to the funding gap caused by the partial shutdown. Over the last five weeks, more than 366 TSA workers have resigned, and around 10% of screeners have called off work.
Byars expressed his frustration, saying, “These TSA officers show up every day, put on that uniform, and keep our families safe. And right now, Washington is telling them that their service does not matter enough to pay them for it. That is wrong.”
He and Staropoli wanted to personally show their appreciation by handing out a plate of barbecue to the TSA workers at Charleston International Airport. “It is the least we can do for people who give so much while asking for so little. These are true civil servants,” Byars said.
A Heartfelt Gesture
Byars and Staropoli personally cooked and served the barbecue to the TSA employees, taking the time to interact with workers. Frankie Staropoli spoke about his deep belief in supporting those who serve the community:
“When I heard that TSA officers here in Charleston were going weeks without a paycheck, it broke my heart. These men and women have families, mortgages, and groceries to buy, just like the rest of us. Cooking for the people who protect us is something I believe in deeply.”
Impact of the Shutdown
The partial DHS shutdown has also affected other agencies, such as FEMA, the Coast Guard, and Customs and Border Protection. The shutdown has caused longer wait times at Charleston International Airport, particularly during the busy spring break season, due to staffing shortages.
Despite the difficulties, the majority of TSA employees continue reporting to work every day.
Commitment to Supporting TSA Workers
Byars expressed his commitment to supporting TSA workers, saying, “Washington can argue about politics all day long, but the men and women keeping our airports safe should never be used as bargaining chips. They deserve better, and when I get to Congress, fighting for the people who protect us will always come first.”
How the Public Can Help
Members of the public can contribute to supporting TSA workers at Charleston International Airport by making donations via Venmo at @iflychs.
