Letter: Restore federal funding to keep America’s skies moving

This letter originally appeared in The Detroit News.

Referencing a recent article published in The Detroit News (“’There’s no end in sight’: Detroit air traffic controllers lament first payless payday” Oct. 28), it’s unacceptable for air traffic controllers to be held hostage to Washington gridlock.

Controllers are responsible for maneuvering 45,000 flights a day, including 800 at Detroit Metro Airport alone. Without them, the nation’s aviation system — which already suffers from severe staffing shortages after years of neglect under former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg — grinds to a halt. 

As Congress continues to bicker over budget priorities, air traffic controllers are missing paychecks, and training efforts to replenish the workforce are getting put on hold. It’s time lawmakers restore funding so controllers and the passengers who depend on them can keep America’s skies moving.

Jackson Shedelbower
Executive Director, The Center for Transportation Policy