WASHINGTON – Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA), the trade association representing commercial service airports in the United States and Canada, today released the following statement calling for an end to the ongoing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown.

“We call on Congress to pass legislation to end the ongoing DHS shutdown and provide pay certainty for TSA Transportation Security Officers and other vital federal workers, as temporary funding is about to expire.

This crisis has unfolded at the front door of America’s airports. Lengthy wait times have adversely impacted airport operations and disrupted the passenger experience. Our members have worked with local community organizations and opened food pantries, stocked essentials for families, and collected gas gift cards to assist TSA officers in covering basic expenses. That is not a sustainable response to a lack of federal funding; it is a stopgap born of necessity, and it cannot and should not continue indefinitely.

With the busy summer travel season right around the corner, including the FIFA World Cup and America250 celebrations that will draw visitors from around the world, DHS employees are essential in helping to ensure the security and efficiency of aviation operations. They should not worry about getting compensated for this critical work. In addition to ending the shutdown, we urge Congress to pass legislation that guarantees pay for these workers during future funding lapses, as many have already gone nearly half of this fiscal year without pay certainty.

Our nation’s airports are ready to welcome travelers from around the world this summer, and it is imperative lawmakers act immediately to support the workers who serve as the backbone of the American aviation system.”