Whataburger rival P. Terry's praised for feeding overworked Texas airport staff

P. Terry's delivered burgers to TSA workers at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport on March 17, drawing local praise after Senator John Cornyn had brought Whataburger the day before; the deliveries come amid a partial DHS funding lapse that has left many TSA agents working without pay.

P. Terry's brought burgers to Transportation Security Administration staff at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport on March 17, a move that drew positive local reaction. The delivery followed a separate Whataburger delivery arranged by Senator John Cornyn on March 16. The visits come as Department of Homeland Security funding lapsed on February 14, leaving many TSA agents classified as essential and required to work without pay. Community responses on social media contrasted praise for P. Terry's with criticism of political figures and the broader funding dispute. Key details: - P. Terry's delivered meals to TSA staff at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport on March 17. - Department of Homeland Security funding lapsed on February 14, and about 61,000 TSA employees are reported as required to work during the partial shutdown without pay. - P. Terry's founder Patrick Terry said the company contacted the airport to feed staff and has done so in past pay disruptions, and that the company does not get involved in the politics of the shutdown. - Senator John Cornyn had a Whataburger delivery for TSA staff on March 16; some observers described that visit as a smaller, photo-focused offering compared with P. Terry's catering truck. - Social media responses praised P. Terry's and compared its action to regional grocery chains known for community support, while also expressing frustration about the ongoing funding standoff. Summary: The meal deliveries provided immediate support and drew favorable public attention to the local businesses involved. The underlying funding dispute in Congress remains unresolved, and the next developments in negotiations are undetermined at this time.