Airline CEOs Rip Democrats For Keeping Govt. Closed
Major U.S. airlines are turning up the pressure on Senate Democrats as the government shutdown — driven by their refusal to pass a clean funding bill — continues to disrupt federal operations and place strain on the nation’s aviation system.
The Senate adjourned Thursday without a deal and will not meet again until Monday, ensuring the shutdown will stretch into its 34th day. The House has already passed a clean continuing resolution (CR) to keep the government funded through late November while Congress negotiates a full fiscal year 2026 plan. But Senate Democrats, led by Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), have blocked the bill more than a dozen times, insisting on unrelated policy expansions including additional Affordable Care Act subsidies.
The consequences are now extending squarely into America’s air travel system.
Speaking to reporters, United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby urged Democrats to drop their demands and pass the clean funding bill. “It is time to pass a clean CR,” Kirby said, noting that air traffic controllers are currently working without pay and warning that the shutdown is starting to threaten system safety and long-term operational reliability. His remarks followed a meeting with Vice President J.D. Vance at the White House.
Southwest, American, and Delta have joined United in sounding the alarm. In a public statement, American Airlines stressed that lawmakers have a straightforward option to end the crisis. “The quickest way to end this shutdown and get these workers paid is by passing a clean continuing resolution,” the airline said. “A prolonged shutdown will lead to more delays and cancellations — and the American people, especially during the busy holiday season, deserve better.”
Southwest Airlines echoed the call, stating: “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. We ask Congress to adopt a clean continuing resolution.”
Even some of the labor organizations typically aligned with the Democratic Party are criticizing Schumer and Senate Democrats for refusing to move the clean funding bill.
“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,” said Teamsters President Sean O’Brien. “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.”
O’Brien continued, “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.”
Security and safety, he emphasized, must remain non-negotiable. “Let’s not compromise the safety and security. Pass a clean CR.”
One of the most pressing issues is funding for the SNAP nutrition program, which expired Saturday as Senate Democrats continue to obstruct reopening the government. President Donald J. Trump signaled Friday that he is exploring legal options to temporarily fund the program while litigation plays out.
“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,” the President 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.”
With the travel industry, labor groups, and millions of families now feeling the effects, pressure is mounting squarely on Senate Democrats to stop the political brinkmanship and pass the clean funding bill already approved by the House and supported by the White House.