As the government shutdown continues, Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport has launched an effort to support federal employees working without pay. According to WISN, donation bins have been placed throughout the airport to collect essential items for Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) workers.
Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley emphasized the importance of helping these employees who keep airport operations running. CBS 58 reports that Crowley encouraged the public to donate non-perishable food and personal care items to assist affected staff. Collection barrels are located in the main terminal before security and in employee-only areas.
Passengers shared their concern about the shutdown’s effect on workers. Ellen Schlicher told CBS 58 that the situation was troubling, while Barbara Joose described it as unfair that some government officials continue to receive pay.
According to Urban Milwaukee, the shutdown, which began earlier this month, resulted from a funding dispute in Congress over Affordable Care Act subsidies. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed that while certain federal law enforcement agencies are being paid, TSA and FAA employees are not included.
