The head of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association union on Friday explicitly called on Congress to pass a “clean” short-term spending bill to end the ongoing federal shutdown.
Nick Daniels, president of NATCA, earlier this week had urged lawmakers to avert the lapse in appropriations — but he didn’t endorse a specific route for doing so, saying only that, “Whatever the means are, whatever the way that they get it done, that’s what the American people deserve.”
He went a step further Friday, joining the American Federation of Government Employees in backing what’s known as a continuing resolution. The House passed such a measure in September, H.R. 5371, and most Democratic-caucusing senators have repeatedly opposed it due to concerns over expiring health insurance subsidies.
“Congress must pass a clean [CR] to immediately end the government shutdown, ensure that all individuals who have not been paid during this prolonged closure receive their compensation, and then engage in bipartisan negotiations on other pressing issues facing our nation,” Daniels said.
Controllers missed their first full paycheck Tuesday and received only a partial one Oct. 14.
“During the shutdown, these professionals are required to oversee the movement of the nation’s passengers and cargo while many are working [10]-hour days and six-day workweeks due to the ongoing staffing shortage, all without pay,” Daniels said. “This situation creates substantial distractions for individuals who are already engaged in extremely stressful work. The financial and mental strain increases risks within the National Airspace System, making it less safe with each passing day of the shutdown.”
Context: Controllers have a unique amount of leverage in the ongoing stalemate. Staffing shortfalls causing delays have attracted widespread media attention, with the GOP pointing to the issue in its shutdown messaging.
What’s next: NATCA’s position will provide additional ammo to Republicans who are pressuring Democrats to support the House’s legislation.
