Candidate Elise Stefanik (R) speaks at a debate held by Spectrum News at its studio in Albany in October 2018. (Photo — Jenn March, Special to the Post-Star)

WASHINGTON — Rep. Elise Stefanik announced Wednesday she has co-sponsored H.R. 705, the Pay Our TSA Screeners Act of 2019.

This bipartisan bill would authorize the federal Transportation Security Administration to use the security service fee to pay transportation security officers during a government shutdown. Under current law, the security service fee is diverted to deficit reduction.

“Our federal workers, including our TSA officers, are suffering immensely under this government shutdown,” Stefanik said in a press release. “While I continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to re-open the government, I’m working on ways to help alleviate the pressure on our federal workers in the meantime. TSA officers have a vital role in protecting our nation’s security, and they should not be punished because Congress cannot come to an agreement. I’m proud to cosponsor this bill to ensure TSA officers are able to provide for their families during the shutdown. I will continue to implore Speaker Pelosi to come to the negotiation table so that we can re-open the government and get back to work.”

Stefanik, a Republican who lives in Schuylerville, has consistently opposed government shutdowns during her four years in office.