Travel industry stands united: “Pay TSA now”

 

WASHINGTON – The U.S. travel industry, from small businesses to major travel companies, is calling on Congress to act immediately to pay Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) and protect aviation security. In a joint letter led by the U.S. Travel Association, industry stakeholders are demanding swift action to ensure TSA officers receive their pay during the ongoing shutdown.

Geoff Freeman, President and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, stated: “Members of Congress continue to be paid and move to the front of security lines while TSOs work for free and travelers wait for hours. That is unacceptable. Congress is leaving TSOs out in the cold for a second time in less than six months, gambling with aviation safety and security while millions of travelers depend on a workforce running on empty. They need to end the DHS shutdown. Now.”

The consequences of the shutdown are already being felt, with hours-long security lines at airports across the country and a workforce under growing strain. The U.S. Travel Association has launched a live tracker showing how many days TSOs have gone without a paycheck, emphasizing the real impact on the critical workforce that ensures aviation safety.

Swift action is required. Congress must reach an agreement to end the shutdown and enact lasting protections to guarantee that TSOs are never again asked to secure the nation’s skies without a paycheck.

Tags: Geoff Freeman, U.S. Travel Association