U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean P. Duffy and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Bryan Bedford have announced that 776 air traffic controllers and technicians will receive a 10,000 USD award for maintaining operations and ensuring aviation safety during the recent 44-day federal government shutdown.
The award follows a directive from President Donald Trump to recognise air traffic personnel who continued to report for duty throughout the shutdown, during which affected employees did not receive their pay.
Secretary Duffy said:These patriotic men and women never missed a beat and kept the flying public safe throughout the shutdown. Democrats may not care about their financial well-being, but President Trump does. This award is an acknowledgement of their dedication and a heartfelt appreciation for going above and beyond in service to the nation.
The 10,000 USD award will be issued to employees who recorded perfect attendance during the shutdown. Eligible recipients are expected to receive an automated notification during the week of 24 November, with payments scheduled to be disbursed no later than 9 December.
Administrator Bedford said: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. Their dedication represents the highest levels of public service.
