Airlines, Hotels, and Airports Demand Pay Protections for TSA Amid Government Shutdown

Federal transportation security workers are once again facing no pay amid a government shutdown as officials in Washington fail to reach agreement over continued funding.

A coalition of travel industry organizations, however, has just launched a new campaign urging Congress to pass legislation that would ensure essential federal aviation employees continue to receive pay during government shutdowns.

The coalition involved in the effort includes the U.S. Travel Association, Airlines for America, the American Association of Airport Executives, and the American Hotel & Lodging Association. Together, the coalition today launched the "Pay Federal Aviation Workers" campaign.

Meant to activate Americans, the campaign aims to bring pressure on Congress to pass legislation ensuring that essential federal aviation employees continue to receive pay during government shutdowns.

"Funding disruptions should not compromise the safety and reliability of America's air travel system, and this campaign aims to compel Congress to act,' the group of travel industry organizations said in a statement released today.

"The travel industry is urging Congress to reopen the government and pay transportation security officers immediately fully (including TSA and CBP) and to pass targeted legislation to prevent these workers from being used as leverage in future funding disputes," the statement adds.

Leaders from the coalition of travel industry associations called on Congress to pass the Aviation Funding Solvency Act and the Aviation Funding Stability Act, which would ensure air traffic controllers are paid regardless of the government's funding status, as well as the Keep America Flying Act, which would provide the same protections to TSA officers who are tasked every day with keeping Americans safe in the skies.



"TSA officers screen nearly a billion passengers a year. With an average salary of around $35,000, these are workers who simply cannot afford to miss a paycheck," Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, said in a statement. 

"Right now, Congress is allowing them to do that work without one. Every time Washington fails to fund the government, these essential workers pay the price. So do travelers. So does the economy. That is why America's travel industry has come together, because this workforce is too important, and the stakes are too high, for this to keep happening," Freeman added.

Funding halted amid partisan battle

Funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) lapsed on February 13. That triggered a partial shutdown of DHS, affecting the Transportation Security Administration, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Coast Guard, and cybersecurity. 

Democrats have said they will not move forward with support of a funding measure until needed reforms are made to rein in the violence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, as well as Customs and Border Protection, after federal agents killed two Americans on the streets of Minneapolis. 

Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., one of many Democrats who have spoken out on the issue, has said that basic standards need to be imposed on immigration agents, pointing out that Americans broadly support the idea that federal agents "shouldn't be assaulting or killing Americans with impunity."

Despite the recent killing of two Americans and repeated nationwide protests, Republicans have opposed adding standards for ICE and CBP or reining in their operations. They have sought to pressure Democrats to relent on DHS funding, suggesting it is especially important amid the war the Trump Administration began with Iran earlier this week.

Democrats thus far have rejected the pressure, pointing out that TSA funding is not relevant to what's taking place in Iran. As an alternative option, Democrats have said they are willing to fund DHS agencies that do not t deal with immigration enforcement in the United States.

Connecticut Rep. Rosa DeLauro, a House Democratic appropriator, introduced a measure almost three weeks ago that would provide continued funding for parts of DHS, including the Coast Guard, TSA, Secret Service, FEMA and the nation's cybersecurity agency through September 30.

Travel industry ramifications

With the busy spring travel season about to begin, the stakes are especially high when it comes to restoring pay for federal aviation employees. U.S. airlines expect 171 million passengers this season—an average of 2.8 million passengers per day in March and April—representing a four percent increase over last year and an all-time high.

The U.S. travel industry is also critical to the American economy. It supports more than 15 million American jobs and contributes more than $2.9 trillion to the U.S. economy annually. 

The 43-day government shutdown that took place last fall under the Trump Administration, the longest in U.S. history, resulted in more than 9,000 flights being delayed or canceled. It also significantly impacted six million travelers and caused $6.1 billion in losses across the travel industry and related sectors, according to the U.S. Travel Association.


"At this time of record air travel, airlines have done their part to add flights and seats to their schedules to accommodate the record demand—it's past time for the government to do its part and ensure that TSA and CBP employees are paid for the job they do day in and day out," Christopher T. Sununu, President and CEO of Airlines for America, said in a statement. 

Todd Hauptli, president and CEO of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), pointed out that this is the third time in five months that TSA screeners are being asked to perform their jobs without pay "because Washington can't find a way to do its job."

"These are people who work hard, and who are being forced in some cases to find second jobs or rely on donations to buy gas or groceries or meet basic needs," said Hauptli.

The industry groups said their new campaign is intended to highlight the role aviation security personnel play in maintaining passenger safety and supporting the broader travel economy, particularly as travel demand continues to grow.

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