WASHINGTON – Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA), the trade association representing commercial service airports in the United States and Canada, released a statement on today’s vote in the House of Representatives to end the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown.

“Airports are grateful that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security finally received funding to fully reopen after 76 days—the longest shutdown of a federal department on record. The airport industry commends the women and men of DHS, especially at the Transportation Security Administration and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, who continued reporting to work to keep passengers, baggage, and cargo moving. The latest shutdown once again placed significant strain on these federal employees, as well as on airports that partnered with local stakeholders to sustain operations, mitigate disruptions, and provide support. Our federal partners and the communities served by airports deserve greater stability and certainty.

This shutdown underscored the essential role federal partners play in maintaining the safety, security, and efficiency of the global aviation system. As ACI-NA has consistently urged, Congress should enact legislation guaranteeing pay for DHS and Department of Transportation personnel during any future funding lapses, ensuring they are not leveraged in budget negotiations.”

 

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