10.23.25 – Federal Government Shutdown Entering Fourth Week

Thursday, October 23, 2025

Federal Government Shutdown Entering Fourth Week
End the Shutdown Now!

As we enter the 23rd day of the shutdown, now the second-longest in U.S. history, 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers are working without pay. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has also furloughed more than 11,000 employees, roughly a quarter of the agency’s workforce. FAA is reporting staffing shortages and delays, TSA checkpoint lines are lengthening leaving Known Crewmember (KCM) unstaffed, air traffic controller training is on hold, and work on modernization programs is suspended.

The government shutdown also hinders implementation of important provisions of the 2024 FAA Reauthorization Bill including cabin air safety, turbulence injury prevention, and crewmember protections from unruly passengers. APFA is also fighting for stronger minimum crew requirements which will eventually require a fully operational FAA to address.

The shutdown undermines the safety and security of the aviation ecosystem.

Our company, our industry, and our economy depend on fully staffed and operational government agencies—and no one should ever be asked to work for free. Our jobs and livelihoods depend on it. Working people are facing rising costs everywhere, including APFA members who are facing increased healthcare costs from our private health insurance provider. Healthcare is a fundamental right and Americans everywhere deserve to be able to afford basic coverage.

To Congress and the White House we say: Put people over politics and reopen the government immediately.

Contact your elected officials and share your concerns. Show your solidarity for our aviation colleagues working without pay – thank a TSA officer or an ATC worker.

In Solidarity,

Allie Malis
Lori Vitto-Glattly
APFA Government Affairs Representatives
[email protected]