The four largest airlines in the U.S. are urging Senate Democrats to pass a straightforward stopgap spending bill to reopen the government, as growing delays at airports are being linked to staffing problems stemming from the government funding lapse a month ago.
“It’s crucial to pass a clean CR,” stated United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby to reporters on Thursday, directly addressing Democratic senators who are hesitant.
American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Delta Air Lines are also pressuring the Senate to move forward quickly with a House-approved funding bill by November 21.
Kirby pointed out that federal agencies have been inactive for an entire month, which has resulted in air traffic controllers working without pay.
After his discussion with Vice President Vance, Kirby expressed concerns that the shutdown is negatively impacting the economy.
Chris Sununu, the former governor of New Hampshire and now CEO of the industry group Airlines for America, participated in the meeting with Kirby, Vance, Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, and American Airlines Group CEO Robert Isom.
In their statement, American Airlines emphasized the need for the Senate to pass a “clean continuing resolution” to end the government shutdown—an effort blocked by Democrats 13 times because the House’s stopgap proposal doesn’t tackle rising health insurance costs.
“The fastest way to resolve this shutdown and ensure workers get paid is to pass a clean continuing resolution,” American Airlines declared. “Extended shutdowns lead to more delays and cancellations. People deserve better, particularly with the holiday season upon us.”
Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines also joined voices in calling for Congress to swiftly pass a clean continuing resolution, emphasizing the urgency of paying air traffic controllers before delays worsen.
Delta Air Lines noted that “strained systems will have to operate at a slower pace, which reduces efficiency and causes delays for millions of daily travelers,” according to reports from Reuters.
Southwest Airlines urged Congress to quickly resolve the situation to restore normal government operations, stating, “The public has the right to expect a travel system that compensates air traffic controllers and federal security staff timely.”
On Thursday afternoon, senators experienced a 90-minute delay at Ronald Reagan National Airport after hurrying there to catch flights home following the week’s last vote. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had issued a ground stop at the airport due to “staffing” issues.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., mentioned that he himself was affected by the delays caused by the shutdown.
