Arizona Democrat says safety is ‘No. 1 concern’ as shutdown disrupts airport operations

PHOENIX – Democratic U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton of Arizona said Wednesday that air safety remains a top priority as staffing shortages hamstring airport operations across the country during the government shutdown.

“The United States does have the safest air system in the entire world, but we’re not perfect and we always have to look for opportunities to upgrade. And yes, obviously, safety always needs to be the No. 1 concern,” Stanton told KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Arizona’s Morning News.

Stanton discussed the issue a day after Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy predicted that staffing shortages could worsen if air traffic controllers miss a second paycheck next week due to the shutdown.

“You will see mass chaos,” Duffy said. “You will see mass flight delays, you’ll see mass cancellations, and you may see us close certain parts of the airspace, because we just cannot manage it because we don’t have air traffic controllers.”

Stanton, a member of the House Transportation Committee and Aviation Subcommittee, cosponsored a bill in May to improve air traffic controller training programs and promote hiring and retention in the demanding field.

On Tuesday, the Federal Aviation Administration issued a temporary ground delay advisory for Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport due to staffing issues.

As the shutdown continues, Stanton said Duffy will do what’s necessary to keep air travel safe as the holiday season approaches.

“The secretary has the responsibility, and I believe Secretary Duffy will fulfill that responsibility to ensure that the safety of the skies is as safe as possible,” the Arizona Democrat said. “So, the secretary will do what he’s got to do to maintain air safety in the United States of America.”

Rep. Greg Stanton calls House closure during shutdown ‘really shocking’

The federal government shutdown stretched into a record-breaking 36th day on Wednesday. Republicans control both chambers of Congress, and the House approved legislation to fund the government in September.

However, Democrats in the Senate, where the bill needs 60 votes to pass, have blocked it over a dozen times over their demand to protect tax credits for insurance purchased through the Affordable Care Act marketplace.

If you didn't show up for work for two months, what do you think would happen?

House Republicans are sitting at home while we set a new record for the longest shutdown ever.

They should come back to Washington and get to work. https://t.co/cUISifiWHr

— Rep. Greg Stanton (@RepGregStanton) November 5, 2025

“We’re fighting to keep health care costs down,” Stanton said. “We want to open up this government, must open reopen this government, but we’re not going to do it at the expense of having millions of people being taken off of health care because they can’t afford the premiums.”

Stanton said senators have been participating in bipartisan negotiations while House Leader Mike Johnson keeps his chamber out of session.

He called it “really shocking” that Johnson has kept the House closed for seven weeks during the shutdown even though there is plenty of work that can be done.

“I think the American people, once they realize that, are going to be upset because they want both parties coming together and working towards compromise,” Stanton said. “It’s how government works. Compromise is not weakness, negotiation is not weakness; it’s how things get done in our country.”

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