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The Modern Skies Coalition on Wednesday issued a statement to Congress on the ongoing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown.
The statement points out that TSA officers (TSOs) have gone over 40 days without a paycheck. Combined with the 43-day shutdown in fall 2025, where federal aviation employees were not paid for 43 days, Acting Administrator Ha McNeill claims that TSOs have worked without pay for half of the fiscal year. The coalition claims that it is up to Congress to ensure that TSA officers, U.S. Customs airport officers, air traffic controllers and other essential aviation workers are paid for keeping passengers and cargo moving safely and securely.
More than 400 TSOs have quit during the shutdown, resulting in a worker shortage at airports. Travellers have experienced wait times up to 4 hours due to this shortage. Acting Deputy TSA Administrator Adam Stahl warned that smaller airports in the U.S. could be forced to shut down if more security workers call in sick or quit. The statement also claims the shutdown is delaying the needed update of the Air Traffic Control system. The system has experienced extreme strain due to both outdated technology and a shortage of controllers. While there have been plans to hire and train more controllers and modernize the system, the shutdowns has delayed these plans.
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The coalition urges Congress to pass the Aviation Funding Solvency Act and the Aviation Funding Stability Act, which would ensure that air traffic controllers and other safety personnel are paid during a shutdown. The Keep America Flying Act would provide the same protection for TSA officers. It states that the aviation industry and the people who work in it cannot continue to be used as political leverage."We urge Congress to utilize any legislation moving through the process to add these provisions that would ensure the aviation system isn't subjected to another shutdown that jeopardizes safety and security," said the statement.