Several of the nation’s largest airlines are urging Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) to end the ongoing government shutdown and approve a “clean” funding measure, as air traffic controllers begin missing paychecks — a situation executives warn could compromise both safety and efficiency across the aviation system.
The Senate adjourned Thursday without a deal and will not reconvene until Monday, ensuring the shutdown stretches into its 34th day — tying the record for the longest in U.S. history.
The House has already passed a “clean” continuing resolution (CR) to keep the government funded through late November while Congress finalizes a full fiscal year 2026 plan. Senate Democrats, however, have repeatedly voted against the measure — more than a dozen times — as they push to include an extension of Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies and other policy priorities in the package.
The Democrat-led government shutdown is drawing growing alarm from the nation’s major airlines. Speaking with reporters on Thursday, United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby urged Senate Democrats to act, saying bluntly that “it is time to pass a clean CR.”
Kirby noted that federal agencies have now been closed for nearly a month, forcing air traffic controllers to work without pay. He warned that the prolonged shutdown could have serious economic consequences, speaking after a meeting with Vice President J.D. Vance at the White House.
Southwest, American, and Delta Airlines have joined United in calling on Senate Democrats to act. In a statement, American Airlines urged passage of a “clean continuing resolution” to reopen the government — a measure Democrats have blocked 14 times.
“The quickest way to end this shutdown and get these workers paid is by passing a clean continuing resolution,” the statement added. “A prolonged shutdown will lead to more delays and cancellations — and the American people, especially during the busy holiday season, deserve better.”
“The public expects and deserves to travel in a system in which air traffic controllers and federal safety and security employees are paid in a timely fashion,” Southwest Airlines said in a statement. “We ask Congress to adopt a clean continuing resolution.”
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Democrat-aligned labor organizations are also ripping the party for continuing to keep the government closed.
“Do not put working people in the middle of a problem. They should not be in there. And we’ve got to think about the families that are going to be affected. Think about when you have to tell your son or daughter they can’t play sports because you’re not getting paid. Think about when you can’t pay your mortgage,” said Teamsters President Sean O’Brien last week.
“Think about when you can’t pay your tuition. Put the politics aside, get to the table, negotiate a deal, pass a clean CR right now, and then figure out the problems moving forward,” he said.
“I want to thank the Aviation Administration for all their hard work and sacrifice they make. And look, security and safety of the airlines is paramount. Let’s not compromise the safety and security. Pass a clean CR,” he noted further.
One of the most consequential programs that is currently lacking funding due to Democratic intransigence is SNAP, though President Trump indicated on Friday he would seek funding for the nutrition program somehow, following a pair of court rulings if provided with “the appropriate legal direction.”
SNAP benefits expired on Saturday as the government shutdown continues. Until now, Trump administration officials have maintained that they would not use the program’s emergency fund without explicit legal authorization, The Hill reported.
“Our Government lawyers do not think we have the legal authority to pay SNAP with certain monies we have available, and now two Courts have issued conflicting opinions on what we can and cannot do,” Trump posted on Truth Social.
“I do NOT want Americans to go hungry just because the Radical Democrats refuse to do the right thing and REOPEN THE GOVERNMENT,” he continued. “Therefore, I have instructed our lawyers to ask the Court to clarify how we can legally fund SNAP as soon as possible.”
