Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg delivered a Thanksgiving message on Monday, expressing concern over the impact of “extremist Republicans in Congress” on air travel as the United States prepares for what is expected to be one of the busiest travel periods in its history. Buttigieg emphasized the progress made in the aviation sector, but warned that it is not guaranteed due to potential disruptions caused by government shutdowns and funding cuts proposed by Republican lawmakers.
Speaking to reporters, Buttigieg highlighted the significant growth and increased demand in the U.S. aviation sector over the past few years. He acknowledged that just a few years ago, there were doubts about the survival of the industry, but now there is record demand and a need for infrastructure and workforce development to meet that demand. However, he expressed concerns that actions by extremist Republicans in Congress could reverse this progress.
Buttigieg specifically referred to a Republican proposal to slash funding for the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which he believes would hinder the modernization of computer systems and disrupt the progress made so far. He also noted that a government shutdown could freeze hiring and affect the training and protection of customer rights. Buttigieg urged reason and cooperation on Capitol Hill to avoid jeopardizing the aviation industry.
The concerns raised by Buttigieg align with a recent report by aviation experts who examined the FAA’s safety record. The report highlighted the need for better staffing, equipment, and technology to address close calls between planes. It also recommended that the FAA be insulated from annual funding hurdles in order to ensure the agency’s effectiveness.
Despite the challenges, Buttigieg expressed optimism and highlighted the efforts being made to improve air travel. He mentioned that 1,500 new air traffic controllers were hired in the last fiscal year, and the FAA Administrator, Mike Whitaker, outlined key initiatives to increase the rate of hiring and training of air traffic controllers. Buttigieg also mentioned that this year’s Thanksgiving holiday week is expected to be the busiest ever, with an estimated 30 million air passengers.
In concluding his remarks, Buttigieg emphasized the resilience of the aviation industry, stating that it rebounded more quickly than expected during the Biden economic recovery. He acknowledged that winter weather may pose challenges in the coming weeks, but he reassured the public that the cancellation rate for flights in 2023 has been the lowest in the last five years, demonstrating that more people are able to travel as planned.
As the United States gears up for the busy holiday season, transportation officials are working diligently to ensure the safety and efficiency of air travel. Nonetheless, the potential impact of partisan politics on funding and government operations remains a concern, urging policymakers to prioritize the stability and progress of the aviation industry.
