Entertainment mogul Tyler Perry is earning praise across social media after a failed, yet massive, attempt to support Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
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Reports indicate that Perry arrived at the airport on the morning of March 26 with the intent to personally hand out a “significant” amount of money to TSA agents who have been working without pay since the government shutdown began on February 14.
While his heart was in the right place, his wallet was stopped by red tape. Federal ethics guidelines strictly prohibit government employees from accepting cash gifts or monetary rewards while on the clock at security checkpoints. These rules are in place to ensure integrity and prevent any potential conflicts of interest within federal roles.
According to the federal rule 3.101-2 regarding the Solicitation and Acceptance of Gratuities by Government Personnel: “As a rule, no Government employee may solicit or accept, directly or indirectly, any gratuity, gift, favor, entertainment, loan, or anything of monetary value from anyone who (a) has or is seeking to obtain Government business with the employee’s agency, (b) conducts activities that are regulated by the employee’s agency, or (c) has interests that may be substantially affected by the performance or nonperformance of the employee’s official duties. Certain limited exceptions are authorized in agency regulations.”
Because of these regulations, Perry’s attempt to provide immediate financial relief to the struggling workers was short-lived. Despite the roadblock, his gesture highlighted the growing desperation of federal workers who have gone weeks without a paycheck.
There may be a light at the end of the tunnel for these employees, however. Trump recently signed an executive order aimed at reinstating payments for TSA workers to alleviate the financial burden caused by the ongoing shutdown.
While the agents couldn’t take Tyler Perry’s cash on the spot, the move by the administration suggests that official relief is finally on the way.
Wow this is so commendable it is just a shame what’s going on all across the world. One person trying to help others trying to help so many communities trying to help it’s it’s humanity rising up I mean because we have to realize that underneath the skin that we’re in it’s still red blood unless you have green polka dots glitter-filled or mercury filled blood are some purple glaze running through your veins what’s going on world come on back down to reality we are all one we are all human beings humanity must prevail have a great Sunday!