dailynewsnblog
Major United States carriers are urging Congress to end the 29-day partial government shutdown. This has led the Chief Executive Officers of key carriers to write an open letter to Congress in support of the 50,000 Transportation Security Administration airport security officers who are currently working without a full paycheck for up to a month.
The TSA has seen a surge in absences among officers who have gone without pay across the more than 400 airports they serve. As a result, airports are experiencing staffing shortages in security screening, resulting in long lines that sometimes extend onto the sidewalk.
End The Shutdown As Soon As Possible
Major carriers, including 
United Airlines, 
Delta Air Lines, 
Southwest Airlines, JetBlueand 
Alaska Airlines, have signed an open letter to Congress calling for a prompt end to the government shutdown, which has been in effect since February 14 due to Congress’s inability to agree on funding. Part of this disagreement stems from Democratic demands to change immigration enforcement.
This isn’t the first time TSA officers have gone without; last fall’s 43-day government shutdown affected both TSA officers and air traffic controllers. Following the previous shutdown, chaos at major airports led to a 10% reduction in flights at key U.S. airports. In today’s open letter, the airlines called for immediate agreement to fund the Department of Homeland Security:
“First, leaders should immediately come together to reach an agreement to fund the Department of Homeland Security. Then they need to act so this problem never happens again.”
Senior Executives at Major Carriers Call For An End To The Government Shutdown
Due to the funding lapse last month, TSA officers endured another period without a stable income. As a result, senators from both parties met on Thursday to discuss proposed funding for the TSA. While major commercial carriers have weighed in, senior executives at US cargo carriers have also called for legislation to protect key aviation personnel and prevent a recurrence.
Sean Duffy, the U.S. Transportation Secretary, spoke with Fox News on Sunday and noted that “We are going to get through this, I think Democrats are going to come to their senses”. Duffy also claimed that Democrats were “waiting for Americans to get hurt, to get killed before they actually put your security before those who have come to this country unlawfully and illegally”.
The airlines’ latest cries for help come at a time when the lead-up to spring break is set to see 171 million passengers travel, an increase of 4% compared to the same time last year. Already, airports are struggling to cope, as seen at Houston Hobby Airport(HOU), Austin Bergstrom International Airport(AUS), and 
Philadelphia International Airport(PHL) as lines snaked out the door.
Brutal: Airports Telling Passengers To “Figure It Out” Amid 4-Hour TSA Wait Times
American flyers have been grounded by a government gridlock.
Some TSA Officers Aren’t Showing Up For Work
Due to the ongoing shutdown, some TSA officers are not reporting to work for financial reasons, are considering other temporary jobs, or are resigning during the shutdown. These essential employees are expected to work during shutdown periods, with paychecks delayed until a new budget is passed.
Facing financial distress and travel costs, more than 300 workers have resigned from their roles to seek alternative employment. Additionally, those taking sick leave have left airports scrambling to staff enough security screening lanes. Some workers have had no choice but to seek alternative employment to put food on the table for their families and to pay basic day-to-day bills.
US President Donald Trump recently took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to thank those who remained working throughout the shutdown, calling out the ‘Radical Left’ to honor the latest deal that was approved and voted for in Congress. In Trump’s post, he said, “Keep fighting for the USA. GO TO WORK! I promise that I will never forget you!!!”
Safety at airports also remains a key priority during this government shutdown, and the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, Ryan Raybould, reiterated this message to travelers after a California man assaulted a TSA officer and a police officer after failing an identity check. Raybould reminded travelers that aggression would not be acceptable, and authorities would look to seek justice for the victims to the fullest extent.
