Trending Now - Airline Ceos Urge Congress to Restore DHS Funding and Worker Pay

WHO:

CEOs of top airline companies including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and JetBlue Airways.

CEOs of cargo companies including UPS, FedEx, and Atlas Air.

WHAT:

Airline CEOs are urging Congress to restore funding to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and to pay federal aviation workers, including airport security officers.

The letter calls for the passage of the Aviation Funding Solvency Act, the Aviation Funding Stability Act, and the Keep America Flying Act.

U.S. airlines expect 171 million passengers during the spring season.

More than 300 TSA agents have quit since the start of the government shutdown.

WHERE:

The letter was published online and in The Washington Post.

The current partial government shutdown affects the Department of Homeland Security, which includes the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

WHEN:

The letter was published on March 12th, 2026.

The current partial government shutdown is noted as the third shutdown in less than a year.

The fatal shootings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good occurred earlier in 2026.

WHY:

Democrats in Congress refused to fund DHS over objections to its immigration enforcement tactics.

Funding for DHS is contingent upon new restrictions on federal immigration operations.

HOW:

The airline CEOs expressed their concerns in an open letter to Congress.

The letter emphasizes the financial difficulties faced by workers not receiving pay, stating, “It’s difficult, if not impossible, to put food on the table, put gas in the car and pay rent when you are not getting paid.”

(UPDATED March 16, 2026 01:22 UTC)

In an open letter published on March 12, airline and cargo company CEOs, including leaders from American Airlines, Delta, and UPS, are urging Congress to restore funding to the Department of Homeland Security and ensure federal aviation workers, like airport security officers, receive their pay. They are calling for the passage of several key acts, as the ongoing partial government shutdown has led to over 300 TSA agents quitting and is expected to impact the anticipated 171 million passengers this spring. The letter highlights the financial struggles faced by these workers, stating that it’s “difficult, if not impossible, to put food on the table” without their salaries.