Major US Airlines and Unions Urge Congress to End Government Shutdown
Leading U.S. airlines and prominent unions are pressuring Congress to swiftly end the government shutdown by passing a Republican-backed "clean" funding bill, citing potential operational disruptions.
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Overview
- Major U.S. airlines are collectively urging Congress to approve a Republican-backed "clean" funding bill to immediately end the ongoing government shutdown.
- United CEO Scott Kirby and Teamsters President Sean O'Brien have both called for a quick resolution, specifically advocating for Democrats to pass a clean continuing resolution.
- Key pilot associations, including Southwest Airlines Pilot Association and Allied Pilots Association, along with the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, endorsed the Republican stopgap bill.
- The American Federation of Government Employees has also joined the call, urging Democratic lawmakers to take action and end the current government shutdown.
- The four largest U.S. airlines warn that a prolonged shutdown will lead to increased flight delays and cancellations, emphasizing the urgency of congressional action.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover the story neutrally, focusing on the factual impact of the government shutdown and the airlines' calls for its resolution. They present the airlines' concerns about essential workers and operational stress without adopting a partisan stance on the political impasse. The coverage provides necessary context regarding the "clean continuing resolution" and the differing political viewpoints.
"A system under stress must be slowed down, reducing efficiency and causing delays for the millions of people who take to the skies every day."
Gizmodo"The quickest way to end this shutdown and get these workers paid is by passing a clean continuing resolution (CR),” American Airlines said in a company statement."
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FAQ
A 'clean' funding bill is a legislative measure that provides government funding without attaching controversial policy riders or amendments. Airlines and unions are urging Congress to pass it to quickly end the government shutdown and prevent operational disruptions like flight delays and cancellations.
A government shutdown can lead to labor shortages at TSA and FAA, resulting in longer security lines, flight delays, and potential cancellations if the shutdown is prolonged. Essential workers continue to work without pay, but extended shutdowns may cause absenteeism and operational strain.
Supporters include major U.S. airlines, United CEO Scott Kirby, Teamsters President Sean O'Brien, Southwest Airlines Pilot Association, Allied Pilots Association, National Air Traffic Controllers Association, and the American Federation of Government Employees.
A government shutdown can cost the travel industry over $1 billion per week in lost revenue, according to industry surveys, due to reduced travel, operational disruptions, and decreased consumer confidence.
Train travel is unlikely to be disrupted in the short term, as Amtrak is financially healthy enough to pay workers and keep trains running, though prolonged shutdowns could eventually impact operations.
History
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