Democrats' Shutdown Antics Backfire Again - They're Now Getting Called Out by Major Airlines
Pressure is mounting on Democrats in Congress as the government shutdown enters another painful week — and now some of America’s largest airlines are joining the call to reopen the government and pay federal workers.
According to CNBC, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and United Airlines are urging lawmakers to act swiftly, warning that the shutdown is putting enormous strain on air traffic controllers, who missed their first full paycheck this week.
In a Thursday statement, Delta said:
“Missed paychecks only increases the stress on these essential workers, many of whom are already working mandatory overtime to keep our skies safe and secure.”
Vice President J.D. Vance and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy met Thursday with Airlines for America, a lobbying group that represents major carriers including Delta, United, and American. The group cautioned that the shutdown could severely disrupt the upcoming record-breaking holiday travel season.
“We are expecting a record holiday travel season; however, if the shutdown continues much longer, Americans will have to pack their patience and be prepared for more delays, unfortunately,” the group said.
American Airlines echoed those concerns, warning that if Democrats continue blocking funding bills, travelers will pay the price:
“A prolonged shutdown will lead to more delays and cancellations — and the American people, especially during the busy holiday season, deserve better.”
Federal law requires air traffic controllers to work through shutdowns, but without pay, morale and focus are taking a hit. Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, said the prolonged stalemate is endangering safety:
“Every day the shutdown continues, the National Airspace System becomes less safe than it was the day before, as the controllers’ focus shifts from their critical safety tasks to their financial uncertainty.”
The pressure intensified earlier this week when Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees, joined the call to end the shutdown. His union represents more than 800,000 federal and D.C. employees.
Kelley urged Congress to stop playing political games:
“It’s time to pass a clean continuing resolution and end this shutdown today. No half measures, and no gamesmanship. Put every single federal worker back on the job with full back pay — today.”
Despite the growing outcry, Senate Democrats refused to budge. A procedural vote to reopen the government failed 54–45, falling short of the 60 votes needed — and not a single Democrat crossed the aisle to help.
The math is simple: the shutdown continues because Democrats refuse to compromise. As millions of Americans brace for travel chaos and federal workers miss paychecks, public frustration is shifting sharply toward Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and his caucus.
Each day the standoff drags on, Democrats risk owning the consequences — from canceled flights to angry voters wondering why their government remains closed.