Airline CEOs to Congress: Fund DHS, Pay TSA, Stop Using Air Travel as a Political Hostage
Third shutdown in a year. Zero dollar paychecks. 171 million spring travelers. And Democrats are still holding out over immigration.
Airline CEOs to Congress: Fund DHS, Pay TSA, Stop Using Air Travel as a Political Hostage
Ten airline CEOs just did something that should embarrass Congress. They published an open letter in the Washington Post on March 15 and begged lawmakers to do the obvious: fund the Department of Homeland Security, pay TSA officers, and stop turning the nation's air travel system into a bargaining chip.
Because of course we are here again. This is now the third shutdown in less than a year to leave TSA workers without pay. On Friday, TSA officers received a $0 paycheck. Zero. Nothing. And Democrats are still dragging this out over demands for new restrictions on federal immigration enforcement.
The CEOs Said What Everyone Else Is Already Thinking
The letter was signed by leaders from American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, JetBlue, Alaska Air, UPS, FedEx, and Atlas Air. That is not a fringe coalition. That is the backbone of American aviation telling Congress to get its act together.
"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."
"Once again, air travel is the political football amid another government shutdown."
Democrats Own This Shutdown
Democrats caused the shutdown by refusing to fund DHS over objections tied to immigration enforcement. Their demand is to force new limits on federal immigration operations following the fatal shootings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good in Minneapolis.
That immigration debate is serious. Fine. Have it. Argue it on the floor. Hold hearings. But holding TSA workers and air travelers hostage in the middle of spring travel is not a serious governing strategy. It is sabotage with a press release.
Real People Are Paying the Price
TSA officers are working without pay
Long security lines growing at more airports
171 million passengers expected this spring
FIFA World Cup 2026 approaching
America's 250th birthday celebrations ahead
New polling shows 9 out of 10 Americans believe TSA agents should be paid during shutdowns. When was the last time 90 percent of Americans agreed on anything?
What the Airlines Want Congress to Pass
Aviation Funding Solvency Act
Aviation Funding Stability Act
Keep America Flying Act
If your party's negotiating strategy ends with airport security officers working for free while millions of Americans crowd terminals during spring travel, maybe your strategy is the problem. That is not leadership. That is hostage-taking in business casual.