Story perspectives

Airline CEOs Demand Congress Restore Homeland Security Funding

3/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

Top U.S. airline chiefs from American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and JetBlue Airways urge Congress to restore funding to the Department of Homeland Security.
They back the Aviation Funding Solvency Act and Aviation Funding Stability Act to pay air traffic controllers and TSA officers.
The shutdown has produced over 300 TSA resignations and long security lines.
Democrats withhold funding until new immigration restrictions are enacted.

History

Historical Context

The 2013 U.S. government sequester cut $85 billion in federal spending, significantly affecting agencies like the TSA and causing daily delays for over 400,000 travelers due to reduced staffing. In response, airline leaders from American Airlines, Delta, Southwest, and JetBlue now support the Aviation Funding Solvency Act to ensure air travel safety and efficiency amid ongoing funding debates that intertwine immigration policy and essential services.

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Story summary

Top U.S. airline chiefs from American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and JetBlue Airways urge Congress to restore funding to the Department of Homeland Security.
They back the Aviation Funding Solvency Act and Aviation Funding Stability Act to pay air traffic controllers and TSA officers.
The shutdown has produced over 300 TSA resignations and long security lines.
Democrats withhold funding until new immigration restrictions are enacted.

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