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Legislative bills

Representative John James Introduces Keep America Flying Act to Pay FAA and TSA Employees During Shutdown

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Representative John James (MI-10) introduced the Keep America Flying Act to the U.S. House of Representatives, ensuring pay and benefits for essential Federal Aviation Administration and Transportation Security Administration employees during the current government shutdown. This legislation is the House companion bill to Senator Ted Cruz's (R-TX) Keep America Flying Act. Specifically, the bill would provide pay and benefits for air traffic controllers and other FAA essential operational personnel, as well as TSA employees engaged in screening operations and related mission-support functions.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Keep America Flying Act would provide back pay and ongoing pay for essential FAA and TSA employees during the government shutdown.
  • The bill would cover air traffic controllers and other FAA essential operational personnel, as well as TSA employees engaged in screening operations and related mission-support functions.
  • The legislation is the House companion bill to Senator Ted Cruz's (R-TX) Keep America Flying Act.
  • Representative John James (MI-10) introduced the bill, citing the importance of keeping essential personnel paid and the safety and security of America's skies.
  • Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) praised the legislation, stating that airport workers should not be used as leverage by Democrats for their radical policy agenda.
  • The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) and the American Federation of Government Employees have endorsed Rep. James' legislation.
  • The House Republicans previously passed a clean continuing resolution, which Rep. James urged Democrats to pass to end the shutdown.

Statistics:

  • 40 days have passed since the House Republicans voted to keep the government open.
  • 13 times Senate Republicans have voted to open the government, and 13 times Senate Democrats have voted to keep it shut down.
  • The government shutdown has caused significant harm to federal workers, including missed paychecks for FAA, TSA, law enforcement, and military families.
  • 97% of federal employees live paycheck-to-paycheck, making the shutdown particularly difficult for them.

Sources:

  • Congressman John James (Michigan 10th District)
  • Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX)
  • House Minority Whip Katherine Clark (D-MA)
  • Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY)
  • Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT)
  • Rep. Jared Golden (D-ME)
  • Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA)
  • Everett Kelley, National President of The American Federation of Government Employees
  • Text of the Keep America Flying Act (available online)

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