House Minority Leader Rejects Airline Calls for Clean Government Resolution

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries supported a straightforward continuing resolution but turned down demands from major U.S. airlines to end the ongoing 30-day shutdown on Thursday.

Delta Air Lines urged Congress to “immediately pass a clean continuing resolution to reopen government” so that air traffic controllers and TSA employees, among others, receive their salaries. Delta, along with other leaders in the air travel sector, didn’t specify which political parties they were referencing but highlighted that Republicans have consistently pushed for bipartisan support to reopen the government.

Nonetheless, Jeffries informed the Daily Caller News Foundation that he would not back the bipartisan Clean Continuing Resolution (CR) currently being discussed in the Senate, labeling it a “partisan Republican spending bill.”

“Are you indicating that the partisan Republican spending bill that undermines American health care, which has been rejected 13 times in the Senate, is a so-called clean continuing resolution?” Jeffries asked.

When questioned about the bill’s potential to significantly expand spending from the Biden era, Jeffries called out Republican leaders, accusing them of being “cold, extremist liars.”

Nevertheless, numerous media outlets contest Jeffries’ assertion that the spending bill from the House isn’t a “clean” continuing resolution. The New York Times pointed out that Democrats criticized the Republican plan as not “clean” and noted that Jeffries had misused budget terminology.

Jeffries acknowledged that several airlines are advocating for a clean CR, stating, “I appreciate that people across corporate America are pushing Congress to pass a bipartisan spending deal. For the past month, we’ve been reiterating: We’re open to discussions with Republicans anytime, anywhere, in an effort to reopen the government and achieve a spending arrangement that truly serves the American people.”

In mid-September, Jeffries and nearly all House Democrats opposed the Republican-supported clean spending bill. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and most of the Democratic caucus have similarly voted against the bill 13 times, with only three members from Schumer’s group breaking party lines to support the clean CR.

As the shutdown continues with no resolution, airline executives are increasing their concerns over flight disruptions.

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby joined a press conference alongside Vice President J.D. Vance and other airline leaders, reiterating the need for Congress to pass a clean CR, stating that the shutdown is “stressing the economy.” He emphasized, “It’s time to pass a clean CR. We should use this as an opportunity to negotiate the real substantive issues that Americans want addressed, behind closed doors.”

Delta Air Lines also emphasized the need for open government and asked Congress to ensure workers are compensated for their contributions. “Delta urges Congress to pass a clean continuing resolution immediately to reopen government agencies so that air traffic controllers, TSA, and CBP employees receive the pay they deserve. A stressed system must slow down, leading to inefficiencies and delays for countless travelers,” the airline communicated.

Several public sector unions have joined the call for Democrats to pass a clean CR to reopen the government. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, representing over 1.3 million workers, urged the Senate to approve the House-passed CR before the shutdown began on October 1.

“American workers are not bargaining chips,” asserted Teamsters president Sean O’Brien, calling on senators to stop stalling and pass the clean short-term funding bill that the House approved.

O’Brien expressed concern for affected families, stating, “Think about having to inform your child they cannot participate in sports because of a lack of paycheck. Consider not being able to cover your mortgage or tuition. Set politics aside, come to the negotiation table, and pass a clean CR now.”

The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), the largest federal union with over 800,000 members and a historical ally of the Democrats, urged them to support a clean continuing resolution. AFGE National President Everett Kelly stated, “A strong America requires a functioning government—one that honors its commitments and pays its workers on time. The clear path forward is to immediately resume government under a clean continuing resolution, allowing for ongoing discussions on larger issues.”