The country's leading travel organizations have reached out to Congress to avoid another costly government shutdown this fall.
Although the House and Senate passed separate continuing resolutions to keep the federal government funded, the September 30 deadline looms.
On Monday, the U.S. Travel Association, Airlines for America (A4A) and the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) sent a joint letter urging lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to quickly resolve the differences between the two measures and enact a stopgap funding bill before next month's deadline.
U.S. travel industry leaders warn that another shutdown would force TSA officers, air traffic controllers and other essential aviation personnel to work without pay, leading to staffing shortages and longer security lines and flight disruptions.
The groups warn that national parks, museums and other federal attractions could face closures or reduced services, creating additional headaches for travelers.
This year's 43-day government shutdown delayed or canceled more than 9,000 flights, disrupted travel for more than six million passengers and cost the U.S. travel economy an estimated $1 billion per week, according to U.S. Travel.
"Congress must finish the job. America just demonstrated what’s possible when the travel system is operating at its best. A government shutdown would reverse that progress," said Geoff Freeman, president and CEO, U.S. Travel.
"We’ve seen this before: more than six million travelers affected, over 9,000 flights disrupted and billions in economic losses. Congress must resolve the differences between its funding bills before travelers and businesses once again pay the price," added Freeman.
TSA security line (Photo Credit: Eric Bowman)
"It’s simply outrageous that we are even talking about yet another shutdown," Chris Sununu, President and CEO, Airlines for America (A4A), said in a statement. "Americans have endured this government malpractice before: flights disrupted, shipments delayed and essential aviation workers forced to work without pay. Solutions are on the table. Congress must act."
"Americans should not have to worry that political gridlock will once again upend their travel plans," added Rosanna Maietta, President and CEO, American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA). "Government shutdowns create uncertainty that discourages travel and impacts the millions of hotel employees and small business owners who depend on a strong travel economy."
"Another shutdown is entirely avoidable. Congress must act to fund the government and protect America's travelers, workers, and hotels," concluded Maietta.
The groups also want long-term reforms to ensure TSA officers and air traffic controllers remain paid during future funding lapses.
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