Noem Gets Removed From Airports

10.14.25

Happy Tuesday and welcome back to today’s edition of Common Sense with Ally Sammarco — your daily briefing on U.S. politics. Let’s break it down.

WIC Funding Bill Launched Amid Shutdown….With many programs faltering or dissolving altogether during the shutdown, House Democrats introduced the WIC Benefits Protection Act to make funding for Women, Infants, and Children nutritional assistance mandatory, rather than discretionary. The bill would protect services for 6.7 million low-income mothers and children even if the shutdown drags on.

Common Sense takeaway: Whether it be this or childcare for federal workers who are furloughed, Democrats are the ones thinking about who is adversely affected by this shutdown; while Republicans continue to play the blame game. It shows where the priorities of each party actually lie.

Shutdown Could Become Longest Ever, Speaker Warns…As the shutdown enters Day 13, House Speaker Mike Johnson warned it could become the longest in U.S. history. The standoff still centers on Democrats fighting to extend ACA subsidies (which Johnson calls “partisan demands”) and Republicans refusing to unless the government reopens first.

Common Sense takeaway: The fact that Republicans would rather see this shutdown go on for months to avoid protecting healthcare for Americans says everything you need to know.

Airports Reject Noem’s Partisan Shutdown Video….Several major U.S. airports have refused to air a video from DHS Secretary Kristi Noem that blames congressional Democrats for the shutdown’s travel disruptions—citing internal rules and the Hatch Act, which bars federal employees from using government resources for partisan messaging. Airport officials argue that TSA checkpoints and airport screens should remain nonpolitical spaces.

Common Sense takeaway: The video is embarrassing and just more evidence that Republicans don’t think rules apply to them. If Kristi Noem had any sense of professionalism, she would know that a video like that shouldn’t be aired in our airports—but this is what happens when you appoint unqualified wackos.

Gaza War Declared Over, Trump Claims Victory….President Trump declared the Gaza war ended after Hamas released the final hostages and Israel freed about 2,000 detainees. A summit in Egypt with global leaders sealed a ceasefire document. Some critics argue this deal was first negotiated by Joe Biden and then halted by Donald Trump for him to later receive credit for it. As of now, Hamas insists it will not relinquish arms or full control of Gaza.

Common Sense takeaway: Most peace deals don’t last. Let’s hope and pray this one does, as well as a quick and effective reconstruction for Gaza. Trump told Gazans they get to “go home” now, but unfortunately, most do not have homes anymore.

That’s it for today. Thanks for reading Common Sense with Ally Sammarco. Check back tomorrow for more.