Airports vary on airing Noem's shutdown video at TSA checkpoints

A video message from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem that assigns responsibility for the federal government shutdown to congressional Democrats has been distributed for play at Transportation Security Administration checkpoints nationwide, and several major airports have declined to show it, officials said. The message, which began appearing this week on monitors near security lines, says the shutdown that began Oct. 1 has left many TSA operations affected and many TSA employees working without pay.

In the brief clip, Noem opens with routine assurances about safety and efficiency at airport security checkpoints and then states, according to the video, "Democrats in Congress refuse to fund the federal government, and because of this, many of our operations are impacted, and most of our TSA employees are working without pay." The Department of Homeland Security confirmed the public service video is being rolled out nationwide and reiterated the language in the message while adding that the department is taking steps to avoid travel delays.

Airports in multiple U.S. markets have refused requests to display the video, citing legal and policy concerns. Officials at Portland...