Congressman Cohen Expresses Concern at Reduction in Air Traffic

MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), until recently the ranking member of the Aviation Subcommittee, responded to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy’s decision to reduce air traffic by 10 percent in 40 major markets, including Memphis International Airport, with the following statement:

“We always put safety first, so Secretary Duffy’s decision under the current circumstances is prudent, but also political. The stress air traffic controllers normally work with is significant and adding not being paid makes it worse. I understand their frustration. This is a political move by the Trump administration to try to force Democrats to accede to their budget and priorities which cut health care and nutritional benefits from seniors, children and people with disabilities. Trump knows that taking away the premium credits from ACA plans is politically damaging to him. I introduced the Aviation Funding Stability Act before the government shutdown that would have kept FAA programs funded using the Airport and Airway Trust Fund during a suspension of appropriations. Unfortunately, Speaker Mike Johnson won’t allow the House to convene for a vote. Addressing this situation as we near Thanksgiving is critical.” 

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