A number of airline chief executives issued a letter to Congress demanding action, as airports have faced long lines and wait times as the shutdown has strained operations.
The letter, sent by the chief executives of American Airlines, Atlas Air Worldwide, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Airline FedEx, Southwest Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Alaska Air, and others, states that “American —who live in your districts and home states—are tired of long lines at airports, travel delays and flight cancellations caused by shutdown after shutdown.”
“This problem is solvable, and there are solutions on the table. Now it’s up to you, Congress, to move forward on bipartisan proposals that will get federal aviation workers—including TSA officers, U.S. Customs clearance officers at airports and air traffic controllers—paid during shutdowns,” the letter reads, urging Congress to “immediately come together” to rectify the situation.
“Specifically, Congress should pass the Aviation Funding Solvency Act and the Aviation Funding Stability Act, which would guarantee air traffic controllers are paid regardless of the government’s funding status, as well as the Keep America Flying Act, which would provide the same protections to TSA officers who are tasked every day with keeping Americans secure in the skies,” the executives write, adding, “It’s past time for the government to make sure that TSA officers, U.S. Customs clearance officers at airports and air traffic controllers are paid for the job they do.”
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) condemned the ongoing shutdown, stating that Americans have experienced long lines and waits of more than 3 hours at some airports.
“The Democrats’ reckless DHS shutdown is causing TSA officers to go without pay for the third time in nearly six months,” Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis said in a statement. “These political stunts are causing unneeded financial hardship for our TSA officers and their families. Now, 366 TSA officers have left the force. Because of this DHS shutdown, Americans are facing HOURS long waits at airports across the country. Democrats must reopen DHS now.”
