U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Bryan Bedford have announced a $10,000 award for 776 air traffic controllers and technicians. This recognition is for their efforts in maintaining the safety of U.S. skies during a 44-day government shutdown attributed to the Democrats.
The announcement follows President Donald Trump's directive to honor air traffic personnel who continued working without pay to keep the National Airspace System operational. "These patriotic men and women never missed a beat and kept the flying public safe throughout the shutdown," said Secretary Duffy. He further noted that while "Democrats may not care about their financial well-being, President Trump does."
Administrator Bedford expressed his pride and gratitude, saying, "I am profoundly proud and grateful for the air traffic personnel who worked during extraordinary operational challenges to keep the NAS running safely during the longest government shutdown." The award will be given to employees with perfect attendance during this period, with notifications sent out in late November and payments expected by December 9.
The U.S. Department of Transportation has been active in various initiatives recently, including awarding $19.6 million in grants to small shipyards across 19 states through its Maritime Administration program. Additionally, it announced winners of a $5 million Inclusive Design Challenge competition aimed at enhancing mobility options for people with disabilities.
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