According to the association, congressional inaction continues to affect the stability of the aviation system, with lawmakers yet to deliver a funding solution for the Department of Homeland Security.
“Congressional dysfunction remains on full display, with lawmakers no closer to delivering a funding solution for the Department of Homeland Security.
We commend President Trump and Secretary Mullin for stepping in to ensure TSA officers are paid and checkpoint operations remain efficient at airports across the country. Their actions prevent Congress from continuing to use American travelers and critical aviation workers as political leverage during this shutdown.
U.S. Travel Association noted that, twice within a six-month period, disputes unrelated to aviation have disrupted air travel operations in the United States, resulting in significant economic losses and affecting tens of millions of travelers.
“Twice in just six months, partisan disputes unrelated to aviation have disrupted our nation’s air travel system – costing the U.S. economy billions of dollars and impacting tens of millions of travelers. The lesson is clear: it is not a winning strategy – for air travelers, aviation stability, or the economy – to rely on Congress to do its job and pay frontline aviation safety and security personnel.
The organisation stated that a more consistent approach is required to safeguard operational continuity during future shutdowns.
“Moving forward, we should adopt President Trump’s approach during all future shutdowns and ensure critical aviation workers are paid.
U.S. Travel Association is calling on Congress to introduce and pass legislation that guarantees compensation for Transportation Security Administration officers and air traffic controllers during any future government shutdown.
“We are calling on Congress to pass legislation modeled after President Trump’s actions to guarantee pay for TSA officers and air traffic controllers during all future government shutdowns. This will protect them – and the traveling public – from endless chaos.”
Tags: U.S. Travel Association