Saying they are “deeply concerned about the growing operational disruptions at airports,” airport leaders on Monday urged Congress to end the funding impasses for the Department of Homeland Security immediately, a move that would provide pay to tens of thousands of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees.
The letter, sent to Senate and House leaders of both parties, was signed by Kevin Burke, president and CEO of Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA); Todd Hauptli, president and CEO of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE); and more than 100 airport leaders from across the country.
“Since missing a full paycheck on March 13, unexcused absences of screeners have tripled to a nationwide average above 10 percent, with several airports experiencing call-out rates above 50 percent,” the letter said, in part. “This has caused lengthy wait times during an already busy period with peak spring break travel.”
“We are concerned that staff shortages at airports will grow further just as our country prepares to host the FIFA World Cup, America’s 250th birthday celebrations, and other high-profileevents,” the letter continued. “Screeners who leave the agency during the shutdown will be extremely difficult to replace in the near term given the time it takes to train and deploy personnel for these important jobs.”
News publication The Hill reported that more than 400 TSA officers have quit their jobs since the partial government shutdown began on February 14.
The letter from airport industry leaders concluded with a plea. “The impacts of the shutdown are significant, growing and potentially long-lasting,” it said. “We urge you to take action to immediately end the shutdown, and we respectfully request that Congress enact legislation to provide pay for TSA and other critical federal aviation workers who keep our nation safe and secure during any future shutdown so that they never miss a paycheck again.”
