Modern Skies Coalition Statement Calling on Congress to Stop Essential Work Without Pay that Jeopardizes Aviation Safety and Security

WASHINGTON — The Modern Skies Coalition today issued the following statement on the ongoing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown:

“As the shutdown stretches into its sixth week, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers (TSOs) are now on day 40 without a full paycheck. Just last fall, federal aviation employees went 43 days without pay during the longest government shutdown in history. Acting Administrator Ha McNeil has said that TSOs have now been working without pay for one half of the fiscal year!

“It is up to Congress to ensure that TSA officers, U.S. Customs airport officers, air traffic controllers and others are paid for the essential work they do every day to keep passengers and cargo moving safely and securely.

“Government shutdowns have real life impacts. The human cost is real with more than 400 TSA officers quitting, thousands of passengers impacted by delays and 4+ hour wait times at airports. Congress must act now before our system breaks.

“At the same time, our nation’s air traffic control system is also under immense strain from a longstanding air traffic controller shortage and outdated technology. Shutdowns set back efforts to hire, train and modernize.

“The aviation industry and the people who work in it cannot continue to be used as political leverage. Congress has the power to end this dysfunction once and for all and must use any legislative vehicle to accomplish this goal. The Aviation Funding Solvency Act and the Aviation Funding Stability Act would ensure that air traffic controllers and other safety personnel are paid during a shutdown. The Keep America Flying Act would provide the same protection for TSA officers. We urge Congress to utilize any legislation moving through the process to add these provisions that would ensure the aviation system isn’t subjected to another shutdown that jeopardizes safety and security.”