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After meeting with Vice President JD Vance at the White House, Kirby emphasized the urgency: “Federal agencies have been shuttered for going on a month… forcing air traffic controllers to work without a paycheck.”
Industry Sounds the Alarm
Other major carriers are echoing the call. American Airlines, Delta, and Southwest all released statements urging Democrats to act before the shutdown inflicts irreparable harm.
“The quickest way to end this shutdown and get these workers paid is by passing a clean continuing resolution,” American Airlines said in a statement. “A prolonged shutdown will lead to more delays and cancellations — and the American people, especially during the busy holiday season, deserve better.”
Southwest Airlines joined in, warning that the public expects a system “in which air traffic controllers and federal safety and security employees are paid in a timely fashion.” The company added bluntly: “We ask Congress to adopt a clean continuing resolution.”
Labor Leaders Join the Fight
Even union heads are turning their frustration toward Washington Democrats. Teamsters President Sean O’Brien, who attended Thursday’s White House meeting alongside top airline CEOs, issued an emotional plea to lawmakers.
“Do not put working people in the middle of a problem. They should not be in there,” O’Brien said. “Think about when you have to tell your son or daughter they can’t play sports because you’re not getting paid. Think about when you can’t pay your mortgage… Put the politics aside, get to the table, negotiate a deal, pass a clean CR right now, and then figure out the problems moving forward.”
He added, “I want to thank the Aviation Administration for all their hard work and sacrifice they make. And look, security and safety of the airlines is paramount. Let’s not compromise the safety and security. Pass a clean CR.”
Democrats Face Growing Backlash
The mounting backlash against Senate Democrats underscores how politically risky this standoff has become. Even typically apolitical airline executives are stepping into the fight, frustrated that partisan games are endangering safety, paychecks, and public trust.
With the shutdown grinding into its fifth week, the costs are climbing by the day. Flight delays, missed paychecks, and frustrated travelers are piling up — and the message from both CEOs and workers is clear: end the political theater, fund the government, and let Americans get back to work.
