The following statement is attributable to Airlines for America (A4A) CEO Chris Sununu:

“We are grateful to President Trump and Secretary Mullin for implementing a solution to pay tens of thousands of dedicated TSA officers for the important job they do, serving with professionalism on the frontlines of our nation’s aviation system, despite not receiving pay for more than 40 days.

“President Trump’s Executive Order will help restore order, allowing TSA officers to focus on the task at hand and millions of Americans to take to the skies this spring break. However, Congress’ job is not done just because TSA officers will be paid. 

“It’s critical for lawmakers to enact a permanent solution to ensure this chaos never happens again. Specifically, Congress should pass the Keep America Flying Act, which would guarantee TSA officers are paid through government shutdowns, in addition to the Aviation Funding Solvency Act and the Aviation Funding Stability Act, which would guarantee air traffic controllers receive the same paycheck protections.

“A recent national survey showed 93 percent of Americans support paying federal aviation workers, including TSA, during government shutdowns. There aren’t many things that Americans agree on right now, but paying our federal aviation workers is the one thing that can unite us.

“Congress, do your job and stop this unnecessary disruption to travel and our economy from ever happening again.”