Security Officers are vital to aviation security and have kept the American aviation system secure, even during lapses in appropriations, when they were not paid. For 16 days in 2013, three days in 2018, and, most recently, 35 days in at the end of 2018 through early 2019, the TSA workforce worked without pay alongside airplane safety specialists, air traffic controllers, and other Federal workers responsible for the aviation security and safety framework that has protected United States air travel since 2001. (14) The adverse impact of two missed paychecks during the shutdown that took place between December 22, 2018, and January 25, 2019, was felt disproportionately by the Transportation Security Officer workforce, with many Officers receiving starting salaries of as low as $32,000. (b) Sense of Congress It is the sense of Congress that the Transportation Security Administration’s personnel system for the Transportation Security Officer workforce provides insufficient benefits and workplace protections to these frontline personnel who secure the United States aviation system, and that such personnel should be provided protections and benefits under title 5, United States Code. 3. Definitions For purposes of this Act— (1) the term covered position means— (A) a position within the Transportation Security Administration