In the midst of the ongoing government shutdown, top airline companies United and Delta are taking a stand and urging Congress to put an end to the stalemate. Both airlines have called for a clean continuing resolution, or CR, in an effort to reopen the government and alleviate the negative impact it is having on the travel industry.
The shutdown, which began on December 22nd, 2018, has now entered its fifth week and has caused disruptions and delays at airports across the country. With no end in sight, United and Delta have joined forces to demand a solution from Congress.
In a joint statement released on Monday, the two airlines expressed their concerns about the effects of the shutdown on the entire aviation industry. “As leaders of two of the largest airlines in the country, we are seeing the direct impact of the shutdown on our business and our customers,” the statement read. “We firmly believe that a solution must be reached in order to protect our industry and the millions of American travelers who rely on us every day.”
One of the main points of contention for the airline companies is the potential security risks posed by the shutdown. With many Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees working without pay or calling in sick, airport security has become a major concern. United and Delta have emphasized the importance of a fully-staffed and functioning TSA in order to ensure the safety and efficiency of air travel.
Additionally, the shutdown has also affected the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and its ability to conduct timely inspections and approvals for new aircraft and routes. This has caused delays and postponements in the launch of new flights and routes by both United and Delta, further hampering the growth of the industry.
In their statement, the airlines also stressed the detrimental effects the shutdown has had on their employees, many of whom are federal contractors and are currently without pay. “Our employees are the backbone of our companies, and we are deeply concerned about the toll this shutdown is taking on them and their families,” the statement said. “We urge Congress to take swift action and provide the necessary resources to get the government back up and running, and our employees back to work.”
United and Delta’s call for a clean CR means they are advocating for a spending bill that does not include any controversial issues, such as the funding for a border wall, in order to expedite the process of reopening the government. Both airlines have expressed their willingness to work with Congress to find a solution and have urged lawmakers to put aside their differences and focus on what is best for the country.
This united front by two of the largest airlines in the country is a powerful message to Congress to take action and put an end to the shutdown. The impact of the shutdown on the aviation industry has been significant, and it is not just the airlines that are feeling the effects. The ripple effect has been felt by airport employees, vendors, and the millions of travelers who rely on air transportation every day.
It is time for Congress to listen to the voices of United and Delta and work towards finding a resolution. The American people deserve a fully functioning government and a robust aviation industry. Let’s hope that Congress will heed the call and get a clean CR passed, so we can all get back to business.
