Republican leaders, including Chairman Sam Graves, Speaker Mike Johnson, and Majority Leader Steve Scalise, held a press conference to discuss the impact of the ongoing government shutdown on the nation's aviation system. They noted that over 13,000 air traffic controllers have been working without pay since the shutdown began, putting pressure on aviation operations, according to the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee pointed out the critical role of air traffic controllers in keeping aviation safe and efficient. Chairman Graves said the professionalism of these controllers is essential to maintaining the U.S. aviation system as the safest and most efficient in the world.
Officials blamed congressional Democrats for the funding standoff that caused the government shutdown. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy said the administration is working to reduce the shutdown’s effects and ensure traveler safety. The shutdown affects air traffic controllers, travelers, airport operations, and related services. Lawmakers are calling for negotiations to end the shutdown, restore government funding, and pay federal employees, as stated by the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
