Congresswoman Bynum Calls for Oregon to Pay PDX Employees to Avoid Trump’s Shutdown Flight Delays

Oregon City, OR – Today, Congresswoman Janelle Bynum (OR-05) called on the State of Oregon to pay Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Officers and Air Traffic Controllers ahead of the reduced flight capacity caused by the Republican shutdown. Beginning this weekend, airports across the country, including Portland International Airport (PDX), will have their flight capacity reduced by the Trump Administration as a result of the ongoing government shutdown.

This is expected to cause mass delays and cancellations. If the state were to pay these critical employees, it would allow PDX to request a waiver to roll back the reduction of flight capacity and continue operations as normal. The City of Denver and State of Hawai’i have both taken this approach to avoid delays. 

“PDX plays a critical role in our economy and serves as a gateway to the rest of the country for Oregonians,” said Rep. Bynum. “That’s why I’m calling on our state to immediately fund the salaries of our essential airport safety and security workers. Oregonians and airport workers alike shouldn't be forced to face the consequences of Republican politicians’ inability to fund the government.” 

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