The 35-day government shutdown ended last Friday, January 25, however the damage that was done to the aviation system is incalculable. National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) President Paul Rinaldi said, "We have years to make up." Many air traffic controllers left training or submitted retirement papers.  

Another example of the damage to our aviation industry, the Wall Street Journal reported earlier this week that, "Southwest Airlines Co. benefited from an unusual deal with federal aviation regulators during the recent partial government shutdown: The carrier agreed to cover the cost of briefly recalling a furloughed safety inspector to sign off on putting three new jets into service." Read the full article >

And with the threat of Day 36 of the Lockout looming on February 16, we must remain firmly committed to our strong message to Congress and the White House: We cannot and will not risk another shutdown and lockout of federal workers and the programs that keep us safe. 

Call to Action #LockoutNeverAgain

Food inspectors, accident investigators, FBI, park service – they were all without work and unable to ensure our safety. Cafeteria workers, janitors and the million Americans who support the work of our government went without work. They were hurt personally and the hit to our economy is billions of dollars. Ask your member of Congress to co-sponsor the Fair Compensation for Low-Wage Contractor Employees Act >

Government is a full set of public services that work together to keep us safe, secure, and our economy moving. There is no partial fix here! We need a fully functioning government and an end to thrusting hard-working, patriotic Americans into the crosshairs of a political game. End this Lockout threat forever. Call your Senators and Representative NOW at (202) 224-2131!