Strategic Policy
Airline CEOs’ Open Letter to Congress Published in The Washington Post
March 15, 2026
WASHINGTON, March 15, 2026 — Today, the Washington Post published an open letter to Congress from 10 aviation CEOs—representing the largest U.S. passenger and cargo carriers—who stressed the importance of paying federal aviation workers, including TSA officers, U.S. Customs clearance officers and air traffic controllers, during government shutdowns.
The letter highlighted new national polling which showed 9 out of 10 Americans believe it is important for TSA agents to be paid during shutdowns.
On Friday, TSA officers received a $0 paycheck.
“That is simply unacceptable,” the CEOs wrote. “It’s difficult, if not impossible, to put food on the table, put gas in the car and pay rent when you are not getting paid.”
The CEOs called on Congress to act with urgency to get TSA officers paid, especially amid record spring break travel.
“This problem is solvable, and there are solutions on the table. Now it’s up to you, Congress, to move forward on bipartisan proposals that will get federal aviation workers—including TSA officers, U.S. Customs clearance officers at airports and air traffic controllers—paid during shutdowns,” the letter continued.
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Open in new tab The letter is also available here.