A food and essentials pantry that helped keep Harry Reid International Airport’s federal workers on the job during the longest government shutdown in history just over five months ago is open again.
Officials at the airport serving Las Vegas announced Monday that they have officially reopened their food and essentials pantry, providing supplies to Transportation Security Administration and U.S. Customs and Border Protection workers who aren’t being paid during a financial stalemate in Congress over funding U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Airport leaders say the pantry, located in a conference room within the airport, will stay open until the funding deadlock ends.
MGM Resorts International late Monday announced that it would be dropping off meals at the airport on Wednesday morning.
“Last October, during the longest government shutdown in history, LAS was among the airports with the fewest federal employee call offs,” said Clark County Director of Aviation James Chrisley. “Despite the challenges, our airport continued to operate smoothly and efficiently.
“That speaks volumes about the resilience of our partners and the strength of our community,” Chrisley said. “Las Vegas stepped up in a powerful way then, and we know it will rise to the occasion once again to support the men and women who keep our airport running safely.”
Last shutdown lasted 43 days
The longest federal government shutdown in history began Oct. 1, lasted 43 days and resulted in flight delays at airports across the country as some TSA and FAA workers didn’t report to work when not paid.
Reid was one of the least affected airports in the United States during the shutdown. Officials said the reason was that community resources came through with donations to assist federal airport employees through the shutdown.
The airport is reaching out for assistance again during the current impasse.
The airport is seeking donations for the following high-need items: nonperishable food items, toiletries and hygiene products, baby supplies, household essentials and pet supplies.
Companies and organizations interested in contributing to the pantry can coordinate drop-offs through the Airport Control Center at 702-261-7157. Drop-off hours are Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The pantry is open Monday through Friday from 4-7 a.m. and 1-4 p.m. and will remain operational until the partial government shutdown concludes. Distribution of items is based on available inventory and while supplies last.
TSA and Border Protection employees serving LAS play a critical role in maintaining the safety and security of daily airport operations despite the ongoing funding lapse.
The partial government shutdown began Feb. 14 after congressional Democrats and Republicans failed to reach a deal on legislation to fund the Department of Homeland Security through September. Democrats and Republicans appear to be deadlocked as opposing sides debate policies involving the operation of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. The TSA and CBP are funded by the same agency that runs ICE.
Weather, Mideast now factors
There are new twists with the current shutdown occurring in the middle of winter when weather-related airport closures happen more frequently and the ongoing war in the Middle East is resulting in flight cancellations and delays worldwide since the start of hostilities Feb. 28.
Although Reid International has no direct nonstop flights to or from any Mideast destination, cancellations and delays have cascaded within the United States. Over the weekend, William P. Hobby Airport in Houston and Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport had massive backups in their TSA lines.
So far, that hasn’t been a problem at the Las Vegas airport, but local officials encourage passengers to check with their airlines on potential flight delays.
Contact Richard N. Velotta at rvelotta@reviewjournal.com or 702-477-3893. Follow @RickVelotta on X.
