As the Department of Homeland Security remains closed, led by the Democrats’ decision, over 100,000 Americans are left without paychecks, causing significant distress among travelers. Aviation industry leaders are raising concerns over the situation.
In a letter to Congress, the chief executives of major airlines, including American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, JetBlue Airways, and Alaska Air, have expressed their concerns about the shutdown. They emphasize that the closure is severely impacting airport operations and the personnel essential to their functioning. These airline CEOs are urging Congress to quickly resolve the issue and fund the Department of Homeland Security.
In their letter, the airline CEOs stated:
- “Americans—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.”
- “TSA officers just received $0 paychecks. That is simply unacceptable. It’s difficult, if not impossible, to put food on the table, put gas in the car and pay rent when you are not getting paid.”
- “U.S. airlines expect 171 million passengers this spring season, a new record. But too many travelers are having to wait in extraordinarily long—and painfully slow—lines at checkpoints. Wait times of 2, 3 and even 4 hours have been reported. Airlines are doing everything we can to mitigate disruption by holding flights for late passengers and rebooking others.”
- “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 aviation system is heavily dependent on TSA officers who continue to work tirelessly without pay, facing hardships in meeting basic needs. The urgency for the Democrats to reopen the Department of Homeland Security is clear.
