News to Know

U.S. Government Shuts Down: What Happens to Travel?
(SOURCE: BUSINESS TRAVEL NEWS, GBTA FEATURED)

Congressional Democrats and Republicans failed to come to agreement to keep the U.S. government funded. A shutdown began at 12:01 am Eastern Time on Wednesday as both sides voted down the other’s proposals to extend funding temporarily. The Republican proposal would have extended funding through Nov. 21, but fell in a 55-to-45 vote, with two Democrats joining in favor of the plan.

Government shutdowns can have a destabilizing impact on the travel industry since federal employees comprise tens of thousands of critical workers at airports, including more than 50,000 U.S. Transportation Security Administration officers and 14,000 air traffic controllers. These employees will work without getting paid for as long as the government stays closed. They will be due back wages when the government re-opens, but the longer a shutdown continues, the more likely it is that such workers will need to find employment elsewhere.

GBTA Advocacy

GBTA Urges U.S. Congress to Reach Agreement on a Federal Budget to End the Government Shutdown

Yesterday GBTA called on the United States Congress to take immediate action to reach an agreement on a federal budget to quickly end the government shutdown.

A prolonged shutdown would have far-reaching consequences for the business travel sector and the broader economy. It would significantly disrupt critical federal operations that underpin the travel infrastructure. This year U.S. business travel spending is anticipated to reach $395.4 billion, making it the top market in the $1.57 trillion global sector, according to GBTA research.

“Business travel is a catalyst for economic growth, innovation, and global collaboration,” said Suzanne Neufang, CEO of GBTA. “We urge Congress to act swiftly and responsibly to pass a budget to re-open the U.S. government and keep our economy moving.”

On Monday, GBTA was also among the numerous signatories from across the aviation industry and other groups on a letter to U.S. Congress urging them to take immediate action to avoid the government shutdown.

Read GBTA’s full statement here.

U.S. residents who want to take action can send a prewritten email to their member of Congress amplifying GBTA’s message - click here.

Resources

Crisis24 Intelligence Brief

More Information