Summary
Airline CEOs have asked the U.S. Congress to end a government shutdown that is leaving many airport workers, like TSA employees, unpaid. The shutdown started because Congress did not agree on a budget for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees airport security. The lack of funding has led to long waits at airports due to staff shortages.
Key Facts
- Airline CEOs from American Airlines, Delta, Southwest, and JetBlue wrote to Congress to ask for funding for the Department of Homeland Security.
- The shutdown began on February 14, as Congress could not agree on immigration reforms related to funding the DHS.
- TSA workers must continue working without pay because they are considered essential workers.
- Over 300 TSA employees have quit since the shutdown, and many more have called out due to the financial strain.
- Airports like those in Austin, Texas, have experienced long wait times, with some exceeding 100 minutes.
- Some airports are encouraging travelers to donate items to help TSA workers during the shutdown.
- President Donald Trump has urged TSA agents to continue working and promised not to forget them.
