Democrat Disruptions in Our Skies

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Contact: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

We are officially on day 27 of the Schumer Shutdown, and due to the Democrats’ need to appease their far-Left base, there does not seem to be an end in sight. However, petty political games have consequences – and that is being made crystal clear right now in America’s skies.

From safety inspections to air traffic controllers to TSA agents, the federal government plays a vital role in keeping us safe when we travel. This is just one of the many reasons why House Republicans voted in favor of my continuing resolution to keep the government running and to pay these dedicated workers. Yet, the Democrats don’t seem to care as they continue to vote day after day to keep Washington closed.

However, now, as the shutdown continues into its fifth week and the holiday season is quickly approaching, the American people themselves should prepare to feel the consequences while traveling. Not only will long security lines develop, but flight delays and cancellations will also become more regular. In fact, according to the Department of Transportation, 53 percent of all flight delays this month have been due to staffing shortages. This is a direct result of the Democrats’ temper tantrum, as usually only 5 percent of delays are caused by staffing shortages. 

Additionally, new routes cannot be approved and new aircraft cannot be certified for airlines. On top of that, air traffic controllers are under extreme pressure during a time when we are already experiencing a shortage of more than 2,800 controllers nationwide. As a result, a control tower in California was left unstaffed for six hours, forcing pilots to coordinate takeoffs and landings themselves without the help of a controller.

These consequences are more than just an annoying headache. They are dangerous, unprecedented, and, quite frankly, avoidable.

It is the job of the federal government to keep the American people safe. That includes paying our aviation workers, which in turn keeps the American people free from harm while flying. Yet, knowing the risks, the Democrats still seem to think that safety in the sky should be used as political leverage.

Let me be very clear: this is unacceptable and unsafe. It is unfair to our committed aviation professionals. It is unfair to all the American people. It is past time for the Democrats to put Americans first and join us in reopening the government.