House Speaker Mike Johnson said on Oct. 7 that he is open to passing legislation during the government shutdown that ensures military members and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) air traffic controllers don’t miss their next paychecks.
Johnson spoke with Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) at a press conference on Tuesday afternoon, where the House speaker was asked if he was open to the idea of paying the military and air traffic controllers as an emergency measure in the next week or two while the government is shut down.
“We’re monitoring that day by day. I’m certainly open to that. We’ve done it in the past. We want to make sure our troops are paid,” Johnson said.
“I have colleagues like Congresswoman Jim Higgins (R) of Virginia, who has a big military district. He’s already filed legislation to pay our troops. We’re looking forward to processing all this as soon as we gather everybody back up.”
Johnson’s comments come one day after the FAA said staffing shortages “across the system” were forcing the agency to slow traffic at multiple airports to ensure safety as the shutdown continues.
On Monday, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy gave a press conference at Newark Liberty International Airport, where he said the number of air traffic controllers calling in sick had risen slightly since the government shutdown began last week.
“You'll see delays come from that,” said Duffy, who was joined by Nick Daniels, the president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, a union that represents nearly 20,000 air traffic controllers.
There are more than 14,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents in the United States, all of whom must still work during the government shutdown.
The workers are currently not being paid, and Duffy said the controllers are slated to miss their first paycheck on Oct. 14 if the shutdown doesn’t end.
“Some areas, there’s been a 50 percent reduction in some of the staffing,” Duffy said.
Air traffic control staffing issues impacted flights at numerous U.S. airports on Oct. 6, including Burbank, Las Vegas, Denver, Phoenix, and Newark.
Roughly 55 percent of those delays impact flights leaving or entering Chicago O'Hare International Airport, with 30 percent impacting Boston Logan International Airport.
On Monday, Duffy said controllers are worried about getting their next paycheck and asking themselves, “Do I have to take a second job and drive Uber when I’m already exhausted from doing a job that’s already stressful?”
“At this critical juncture, it is more important than ever that we rise to the occasion and continue delivering the consistent, high-level of public service we provide every day,” the union told members.
“We cannot stress enough that it is essential to avoid any actions that could reflect poorly on you, our union, or our professions.”
“When federal employees who manage air traffic, inspect aircraft, and secure our nation’s aviation system are furloughed or working without pay, the entire industry and millions of Americans feel the strain,” the group wrote.
“We appreciate the men and women going to work, despite not receiving a paycheck, to ensure the safety and security of the traveling and shipping public.”
During the 35-day government shutdown that began in December 2018, “numerous FAA functions” ceased or were suspended, and impacts were also felt at Customs and Border Protection, according to the National Business Aviation Association.
