1. United States
2. Ga.
3. Letter

I am writing as a constituent to urge you to support legislation that guarantees federal aviation workers are paid during government shutdowns. Regardless of political disagreements or which party is in power, essential aviation personnel—including TSA officers and air traffic controllers—should not be forced to work without pay. These individuals play a critical role in maintaining the safety, security, and efficiency of our nation’s air travel system. TSA officers alone screen nearly one billion passengers annually, yet many earn modest salaries around $35,000 per year. During shutdowns, they are required to continue working while receiving no compensation. This is not only unfair to these workers and their families, but it also puts unnecessary strain on a system that millions of Americans depend on. The impacts of shutdowns extend far beyond federal employees. The recent 43-day shutdown led to over 9,000 flight delays and cancellations, affecting approximately six million travelers and resulting in $6.1 billion in economic losses. Increased attrition within TSA—up 25% during that period—further highlights the long-term risks to our aviation infrastructure. With major events approaching, including spring travel, the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and America’s 250th anniversary, it is more important than ever to ensure stability within our aviation workforce. I respectfully ask that you support and prioritize the passage of the Aviation Funding Solvency Act, the Aviation Funding Stability Act, and the Keep America Flying Act. These bipartisan efforts would provide essential protections for aviation workers and help safeguard a critical sector that supports over 15 million American jobs and contributes $2.9 trillion annually to our economy. This is a practical, common-sense solution that protects both workers and the traveling public. Thank you for your time and for your service. I appreciate your attention to this important issue and look forward to your leadership in addressing it.