***DAY #7: SCHUMER SHUTDOWN*** Congressman Patronis: The Schumer Shutdown is Creating Chaos at America’s Airports
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Jimmy Patronis held a virtual press conference and delivered remarks on the serious disruptions to America’s transportation systems, which threatens the safety, reliability, and efficiency of air travel across the country. Some air traffic control facilities are experiencing an increase in sick calls, with some missing as many as 50% of employees on any given day since the shutdown started last week. The federal government remains shutdown because Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Democrats still refuse to work with Republicans to pass a clean Continuing Resolution (CR). There are Approximately 155,000 federal employees in Florida, that’s 1.6% of the state’s workforce are either furloughed or forced to work without pay. Congressman Patronis currently sits on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Congressman Jimmy Patronis said, “The Schumer Shutdown is hurting TSA agents, air traffic controllers, and every traveler who depends on our transportation system. This didn’t have to happen. It was a choice by Chuck Schumer and the Democrats. They would rather play politics than keep our skies safe. Every day that this shutdown continues, America’s transportation system becomes less safe and less efficient all because Chuck Schumer and the Democrats refuse to pass a clean, commonsense funding bill. Air traffic controllers, who are essential to keeping our skies safe, and TSA agents, who help keep Americans safe, are being forced to work without pay, which is leading to staff shortages, low morale, and increasing wait times.
Impacts to TSA and Transportation Due to the Schumer Shutdown:
- TSA agents and air traffic controllers are forced to work without pay, causing staff shortages, longer lines, and increasing safety concerns at airports.
- Florida’s economy is losing nearly $1 billion each week due to the shutdown, with serious impacts to families relying on SNAP benefits and other federal programs.
- About 155,000 federal employees in Florida, 1.6% of the state workforce, are furloughed or working without pay.
The Congressman continued, “While Democratic leadership in Washington engages in political gameplay, Florida faces real economic consequences. Florida’s Gross State Product declines by approximately $911 million each week, totaling nearly $4 billion per month, our Coast Guard continues to patrol our waters with no paycheck, and SNAP benefits for nearly 3 million Floridians, including over 1 million children, are in jeopardy all because Chuck Schumer wants $1.5 trillion in new spending in healthcare for illegal immigrants. If you’re being affected by the Schumer Shutdown, I encourage you to call Senator Schumer’s office at (202) 224-6542 and tell him to stop playing politics and reopen the government.”
For more FAQs on the Schumer Shutdown, please follow the link HERE.
###