ATEC Joins Modern Skies Coalition Calling on Congress to Protect Aviation Safety
ATEC joined the Modern Skies Coalition in urging Congress to take immediate action to protect aviation safety and security during government shutdowns.
As the current Department of Homeland Security shutdown stretches into its sixth week, critical aviation personnel—including Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers, air traffic controllers, and U.S. Customs officers—continue working without pay. TSA officers alone have gone more than 40 days without full compensation.
The coalition warns that prolonged shutdowns are already impacting the system, with increased wait times, staffing shortages, and operational strain across airports. More than 400 TSA officers have reportedly left their roles, underscoring the real workforce consequences of funding disruptions.
For an industry already facing workforce shortages and modernization challenges, continued instability threatens both near-term operations and long-term progress. ATEC and fellow coalition members are calling on Congress to advance legislative solutions that ensure essential aviation personnel are paid during shutdowns. Proposed measures—including the Aviation Funding Solvency Act, Aviation Funding Stability Act, and the Keep America Flying Act—would help maintain continuity for the aviation system and the workforce that supports it.