Story perspectives

Airline CEOs Urge Congress to End DHS Shutdown Now

3/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

The CEOs of American Airlines and Delta Air Lines criticized Congress for the 29-day shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security.
About 50,000 TSA officers are unpaid, causing airport delays and three-hour waits.
They urged immediate bipartisan action to fund DHS and protect aviation workers from future pay disruptions.
They noted rising travel demand, with 171 million passengers expected this spring, and warned of economic impacts if the shutdown persists.

History

Historical Context

The 2013 U.S. government shutdown, lasting 16 days, resulted from a budget impasse over the Affordable Care Act, furloughing approximately 800,000 federal employees and impacting essential services. This disruption highlighted vulnerabilities in government funding, with significant economic repercussions, including an estimated $24 billion loss to the economy. Ongoing criticisms from airlines reflect concerns about the stability of aviation operations amid rising travel demand.

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Story summary

The CEOs of American Airlines and Delta Air Lines criticized Congress for the 29-day shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security.
About 50,000 TSA officers are unpaid, causing airport delays and three-hour waits.
They urged immediate bipartisan action to fund DHS and protect aviation workers from future pay disruptions.
They noted rising travel demand, with 171 million passengers expected this spring, and warned of economic impacts if the shutdown persists.

1 / 2