Speaker Mike Johnson has ruled out bringing the House back to vote on paying air traffic controllers and other essential employees, citing Senate obstruction and the need to ease pressure on Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. Johnson stated that the measure would be blocked by Senate Democrats regardless of House action.
Johnson’s comments were made during a press conference with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who highlighted the impact of the government shutdown on air traffic controllers, many of whom are working second jobs to make ends meet. Duffy warned that the shutdown is leaving already overworked air traffic controllers without pay, with some forced to take on second jobs to cover their bills. “Next Tuesday is the first paycheck that they will not receive,” Duffy said, expressing concern over the potential for more flight cancellations and delays as the shutdown continues.
Senate Commerce Chair Ted Cruz (R-Texas) has already introduced a bill to fund air traffic controllers, but Johnson argued that the House’s already passed a stopgap funding bill a month ago that includes funding for air trafficking controllers and TSA agents. “So it would be a waste of our time,” Johnson added, suggesting that even if the House voted on the issue, Senate Democrats would block it.
The Trump administration is also exploring ways to shift funding within the executive branch to pay air traffic controllers, but it is a difficult feat, with officials estimating the cost could exceed $500 million monthly. House Transportation Chair Sam Graves (R-Mo.) admitted that the administration is running out of creative ideas and that there is no existing pot of money to cover the costs. “This just needs to end. That’s just all there is to it,” Graves said, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
Safety concerns are also rising as the shutdown stretches longer, with Graves warning that if air traffic controllers are not paid, they may become frustrated due to their obligations as professionals. The ongoing shutdown has created a significant strain on essential workers, with many facing financial difficulties and potential risks to public safety. The impasse highlights the broader political stalemate over government funding, with both parties at a standstill and critical services at risk of being affected.