Delta and Peers Urge Congress to End Shutdown After TSA Missed Paychecks
Delta CEO Ed Bastian joined nine other airline executives in a letter urging Congress to end the DHS funding shutdown after TSA officers missed their first paychecks since Feb. 14. The CEOs warned spring-break travel and a record 171 million passengers forecast for the World Cup and 250th celebrations are straining airport operations.
1. Letter Urges Congress to End Shutdown and Pay TSA Officers
On March 15, Delta CEO Ed Bastian joined executives from nine other major airlines in a joint letter urging Congress to end the Department of Homeland Security funding shutdown after Transportation Security Administration officers missed their first paychecks since Feb. 14.
2. Operational Strains Highlighted During High-Travel Season
The executives warned that spring-break travel and a record 171 million passengers projected for this year’s FIFA World Cup and America’s 250th birthday celebrations are straining airport operations, leading to longer lines, travel delays and flight cancellations.
3. Executives Propose Guaranteed Funding for TSA and Controllers
The letter calls on lawmakers to pass measures guaranteeing pay for air traffic controllers and TSA officers regardless of government funding status to prevent future disruptions to airline operations.