Politics
NEW: Top Airline CEOs Blast Dems, Call For End To Government Shutdown
A number of America’s largest airliners are calling on Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) to end the ongoing government shutdown and pass a “clean” funding bill. The increased pressure comes as air traffic control employees begin to miss full paychecks, heightening safety and efficiency concerns among the nation’s airlines.
The Senate adjourned Thursday and is not set to return until Monday, extending the shutdown to its 34th day, which would match the longest funding lapse in American history. The House has passed a “clean” temporary funding measure, known as a continuing resolution (CR), that would extend the current fiscal year through late November in order to fund the government while a comprehensive plan for FY 2026 is hashed out.
Senate Democrats, on the other hand, have voted against the CR more than a dozen times in order to hold out for legislative wishlist items, including an extension of Obama-era Affordable Care Act (ACA) credits, which are set to soon expire under the terms of legislation Democrats supported themselves.
The Democrat-led shutdown is increasingly raising concerns among the nation’s largest airlines. While speaking with reporters on Thursday, United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby told reporters that “it is time to pass a clean CR,” in a pointed message to Senate Democrats.
Kirby noted that federal agencies have been shuttered for a going on a month, forcing air traffic controllers to work without a paycheck. He further warned that the shutdown will have negative economic effects after meeting with Vice President JD Vance at the White House.
Southwest Airlines, American Airlines and Delta Air Lines are also pressing Democrats to pass the CR. American Airlines in a statement urged the Senate to pass a “clean continuing resolution” to reopen the government, something Democrats have shot down 13 times. “The quickest way to end this shutdown and get these workers paid is by passing a clean continuing resolution,” the statement added. “A prolonged shutdown will lead to more delays and cancellations — and the American people, especially during the busy holiday season, deserve better.”
A number of leading airline CEOs were in attendance for Thursday’s White House meeting alongside, Vice President Vance, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, and the leaders of multiple labor unions, including the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.
“Do not put working people in the middle of a problem. They should not be in there. And we’ve got to think about the families that are going to be affected. Think about when you have to tell your son or daughter they can’t play sports because you’re not getting paid. Think about when you can’t pay your mortgage,” said Teamsters President Sean O’Brien. “Think about when you can’t pay your tuition. Put the politics aside, get to the table, negotiate a deal, pass a clean CR right now, and then figure out the problems moving forward.”
He added, “I want to thank the Aviation Administration for all their hard work and sacrifice they make. And look, security and safety of the airlines is paramount. Let’s not compromise the safety and security. Pass a clean CR.”
Delta and Southwest likewise called on Democrats to pass the CR and allow air traffic control workers to get paid.
“The public expects and deserves to travel in a system in which air traffic controllers and federal safety and security employees are paid in a timely fashion,” Southwest Airlines said in a statement. “We ask Congress to adopt a clean continuing resolution.”
