To the men and women of DHS:
As many of you know, our role in protecting the Homeland
during the COVID-19 pandemic
requires many of us to work on the frontlines,
potentially putting ourselves at risk.
Last week,
I detailed what our colleagues at Customs and Border Protection
are doing to combat the virus at our borders.
Today, I would like to highlight the remarkable efforts
of our colleagues at the Transportation Security
Administration
under the steadfast leadership of Administrator David Pekoske.
I was fortunate to begin my DHS career shortly after 9/11
by helping stand up TSA,
the agency will always be a special place for me.
During that time, I saw the beginning of a tradition
of selflessness and dedication that continues today.
While TSA’s job is never easy,
it has become even more challenging during this crisis.
That said, the men and women of this organization have gone above
and beyond expectations by performing crucial tasks
as the Department continues to respond to the outbreak.
First, our TSA officers continue to man checkpoints
at more than 400 airports nationwide,
performing their duties admirably despite the difficult conditions.
Second, TSA International Staff are continuously helping
to repatriate Americans citizens from locations across the globe
by aiding the return of those who were in particularly affected areas.
Third, TSA inspectors are protecting our economic security
by working with our industry partners
to ensure the security of aircraft, cargo facilities,
and surface transportation modes across our country.
Sadly, operating on the frontlines of this pandemic
is not without its risks.
I send my deepest sympathies and condolences to the families
and loved ones of TSA employees
who have passed away due to the Coronavirus.
I ask each of you watching today to join me
in keeping them in your thoughts and prayers.
As always, I am incredibly grateful to not only the members of TSA,
but to this entire Department for the resilience and dedication
to service you all have shown in this unprecedented time.
Know that I will continue to do whatever is in my power
to support those protecting America.
Thank you again for your continued resilience.
We are one team, one mission, one DHS.