Clyburn Calls on Republicans to End Government Shutdown

Clyburn Cites Looming Crisis with Air Traffic Controllers Working Without Pay; GOP is Pitting Workers' Pay Against Americans' Health Care and Hunger

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman James E. Clyburn (SC-06), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies, released the following statement calling for the Trump Administration and Congressional Republicans to end to the government shutdown:

"The Trump Administration and Congressional Republicans have shown a reckless disregard for hardworking American families and federal workers amid this government shutdown.

"Whatever talking points Republicans may be reciting today, our 10,000+ air traffic controllers deserve better than the treatment they are getting under unified Republican control of Washington. Following the Trump executive order on March 27 canceling collective bargaining agreements at several other federal agencies-which was the largest single action of union-busting in American history, air traffic controllers and other aviation safety professionals are under threat. In spite of its claims that they are putting American workers first, the Trump Administration has done the complete opposite.

"The ongoing government shutdown is causing additional pain and uncertainty as air traffic controllers and other federal employees are showing up each day without pay to continue ensuring the safety and reliability of air travel. With crises looming in air travel, health care, and hunger, my Republican colleagues must finally come to the table to negotiate a resolution to all of them.

"If we are serious about protecting these essential workers and maintaining the safety and integrity of our nation's skies, I call on my colleagues to end this Republican-led shutdown."

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