Democratic Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois, rating member of the Senate’s Aviation, Area and Innovation Subcommittee, on Monday criticized President Trump after he threatened to dock the pay of air site visitors controllers who took off work amid staffing shortages and the authorities shutdown.
“It is disgraceful and harmful to threaten to punish controllers who put the security of pilots and passengers first by refusing to direct air site visitors when their efficiency would’ve been degraded by a recognized sickness,” Duckworth mentioned in a press release.
Earlier Monday, Mr. Trump wrote on Fact Social that “[a]ll Air Visitors Controllers should get again to work, NOW!!! Anybody who does not will likely be considerably ‘docked.'” The president mentioned he would advocate a $10,000 bonus, per individual, for many who did not take “ANY TIME OFF” through the shutdown.
“For those who did nothing however complain, and took break day, regardless that everybody knew they’d be paid, IN FULL, shortly into the long run, I’m NOT HAPPY WITH YOU,” Mr. Trump wrote.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy later mentioned he agrees with the president.
“Air site visitors controllers NEED to point out up for work! To those that have labored all through the shutdown — thanks to your patriotism and dedication to conserving our skies protected. I’ll work with Congress to reward your dedication,” Duffy mentioned.
Duckworth voted no on the newest measure to finish the federal government shutdown, splitting with eight reasonable Senate Democrats who voted in favor of a invoice that might prolong authorities funding by way of January 2026. The settlement with Republicans would additionally guarantee federal employees, together with air site visitors controllers, obtain again pay for the reason that shutdown started on Oct. 1.
