Greg Stanton Calls for Bipartisan Action as Shutdown Forces Flight Cuts

Congressman Greg Stanton is urging both political parties to end the government shutdown after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ordered significant flight cuts that are now impacting Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport.

As a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Stanton released a statement this week supporting the FAA's difficult decision while pushing his colleagues to resolve the crisis. 

"In aviation, safety must always be the highest priority," Stanton said. "The decision by Secretary Duffy to reduce flights at America's 40 busiest airports is the right call for the safety of the flying public."

The congressman's statement came as the unprecedented order took effect November 7, forcing airlines to cut flights at 40 major airports nationwide. Phoenix Sky Harbor is among those affected, with 60 flights cancelled on November 7 alone and nearly 50 delays by 7 a.m., as reported by AzFamily.

Congressional Action

However, Stanton made it clear that supporting the safety measure doesn't mean accepting the situation. He immediately pivoted to demanding congressional action. 

"Now it's critical that Republicans and Democrats get together and reach a bipartisan agreement on a plan to reduce health costs and end this shutdown," he said.

The congressman's statement emphasized that his constituents and aviation workers are paying the price for Washington's dysfunction. 

"Arizona deserves better, and so do the hardworking professionals who keep our skies safe," Stanton added, highlighting the strain on air traffic controllers who are working through the shutdown.

The FAA's order requires airlines to reduce flights by 4% initially, ramping up to 10% by November 14. The cuts affect all commercial airlines and could impact thousands of flights daily. The agency says the reductions are necessary because air traffic controllers are stretched too thin during the government shutdown.

For Stanton, the flight cuts represent both a necessary safety measure and a wake-up call for Congress to end the political standoff.