Congress takes its vacation; 74,000 workers, off the job in FAA impasse, take their lumps

At airports across America, projects representing $11 billion in work and 70,000 construction jobs and jobs in related fields sit idle because Congress has failed to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration. Now, Congress is going on vacation, without passing the simple FAA extension that would allow those 70,000 workers--plus the 4,000 FAA employees who have also been furloughed--to get back to work.

We are smack dab in the middle of the construction season, but we are watching a Congress leave town without putting 74,000 workers back on the job. Congress has been talking the talk on jobs, but they refuse to walk the walk. We have heard many speeches about creating jobs and putting people to work; well I can tell you, turning a blind eye is not the way we put people to work.

As U.S. Representative Steny Hoyer said, "This is a perfect example of the politics--not of persuasion, not of compromise, of coming together--but the politics of confrontation."

It's a shame, especially in this economy, to let the financial security of 74,000 families be caught in partisan debate. We are talking about families--good, working families, maybe friends of yours or neighbors--having to go without a paycheck. And if Congress doesn't act until reconvening after Labor Day, these families will have endured nearly 50 days without income.

Rent, mortgages, groceries, back-to-school needs, medical care, electricity--these expenses don't take a vacation; they just accumulate relentlessly. Meanwhile, members of Congress jet out of Washington, using the same aviation system they've turned their backs on.

Meeting airline pilot at LaGuardia Airport on Monday, photo courtesy Henny Ray Abrams, AP

That's the scene that led President Obama yesterday to call this "another Washington-inflicted wound on America."

And I agree. After nearly 35 years as a staffer in Congress, a House member, and now as Secretary of Transportation, I am dismayed by the persistent acrimony plaguing this simple extension. I have had many occasions to be proud of the practical compromises Congress is capable of. I staffed a Congressman for 17 years who worked with people across the aisle; I worked with my colleagues across the aisle in the House for 14 years; and I'm working right now for a President across the aisle.

Do you know what I've learned? The aisle isn't as wide as you might think.

We are fortunate that our air traffic controllers are still on the job, and flying is safe. We are fortunate that many airport inspectors have volunteered not only to work without pay, but to rack up expenses on their credit cards while they do their jobs. We are fortunate that we started from the position of having the best aviation system in the world. But, this is no way to run that system.

It's not too late. Congress may have recessed, but it has not adjourned, and our legislators can still act to pass a clean FAA extension. I urge them to do that.

Comments

[Ina Fine]

Secretary LaHood: Congratulations to you sir for bringing attention to the public of the FAA situation. I watched you on many news programs outlining how Congress disappeared into their five week long (taxpayer paid) vacations without addressing unfinished business. How selfish of them! Their constant harangue about lack of jobs rang hollow in the face of over 70,000 construction workers left high and dry. Thanks to your persistence and the outstanding senators who brought resolution to the situation along with theleadership of the president. You were a wonderful and positive force for right. Thank you.

[Mr.straightalk]

You lie almost as well as your flaming lib king. 74000, means you also count like your dream weaver. Do you use your toes to count that out?

[Rory Westfall]

This is completely unaccetable from our elected officals. A significant part of the population is unemployed with no income at all and the members of congress feel they are due 5 weeks off? Very few people in this country have that sort of luxury and they certainly could not do so and stand to have any sort of continued employment. If the typical worker chose to take this kind of time off while disregarding their responsibilies in order to do so they would and should be replaced. This is a direct afront to the principles of hard work and commitment that built this country and underscores the elitest values that pervade our government.

I can understand why Standard and Poor downgraded the country's credit rating given the obviouse lack of concern demonstrated by our legislators. A great deal can be accomplished in 5 weeks, but apparently that is secondary to taking time off in the minds of our elected officals.

[Fed up with the Federal Govt!]

I agree that congress should take care of business when it is time to do so. I disagree with the notion that furloughed feds will get back pay for the time they were off. Show me any other private business in the world where this happens, unless of course it is a business that is shackled by a worthless union brotherhood!!! Perhaps if all of the government were efficiently run like a FOR PROFIT business we wouldn't have all of the huge debt we now all suffer under!

[Brett Cairns]

Now that some time has passed it will be interesting to see if the fundamental issue has been dealt with. Has a bill been initiated to avoid this in the future

[Catalogo Bershka]

The nations safety is at risk. The Secretary needs to send a demand letter certifying this to both Houses of Congress, and requesting the President to call a special Session of Congress to address this immediately. Congress can spend all of August in DC till they get it done.