United CEO pleads with Congress to end shutdown: "Get the deal done soon"

CBS News
March 24, 2026
3 min read

Quick Insights

The Bottom Line

United Airlines CEO publicly urges Congress to end the federal shutdown, citing disruption to aviation operations and unpaid TSA officers.

How This Affects You

If you fly United or any airline, the shutdown's impact on unpaid TSA screeners could cause longer security lines and potential staffing shortages affecting flight operations.

AI Summary

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby is publicly urging Congress to reach a shutdown agreement, telling lawmakers to "get the deal done soon" as the federal government closure continues to disrupt operations. Transportation Security Administration officers remain unpaid during the shutdown, creating operational pressures on airlines and frustration across the aviation industry. Kirby's appeal reflects growing concern among business leaders that the prolonged closure is damaging the economy and threatening essential airport functions. While Congress appears to be moving toward a deal, the timing remains uncertain, leaving airlines like United in a state of operational limbo. The shutdown underscores the immediate impact federal furloughs have on the private sector's ability to function normally.

What's Being Done

Congress appears to be moving toward a shutdown deal, though timing remains uncertain.

Source Coverage Map

7 of 43 tracked sources covered this story

16% coverage
Did Not Cover (36)
ICIJ97AP World News96AP News96AP US News96AP Top News96+31 more

Following this story?

Get notified when new coverage appears

Other Sources Covering This Story

5 sources

Multiple outlets have reported on this story. Compare perspectives from different sources.

Should this be getting more attention?

You Might Have Missed

Related stories from different sources and perspectives

Over a third of TSA officers called out at 3 major airports Tuesday amid partial shutdown
Government Transparency

Over a third of TSA officers called out at 3 major airports Tuesday amid partial shutdown

Travelers continue to face long lines at airports with no end to the partial government shutdown in sight. Atlanta was one of three major U.S. airports on Tuesday where more than one-third of TSA officers called out of work. In Philadelphia, flyers found three of six TSA checkpoints closed on Wednesday. Skyler Henry reports.

CBS NewsMar 19
A new US trade deal with Indonesia secures fossil fuels and access to critical minerals - AP News
Politics

A new US trade deal with Indonesia secures fossil fuels and access to critical minerals - AP News

<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMipwFBVV95cUxQdVZaVFl5WDNhbndBTVk4QTZKd3B5dVV2el9nTS1KTnRWZ2NLWEkwVXdabGFjbXVzMndjRUtHdVJya2VYN1pjMFB5V1lUWndncmxZNHotNm9ncFlvNjZYVENMYWhpUng5VWUwbEpzbGZjTmNZTHNzOFg5NVBnMlhXbm1DVDBxaHd2aFVrM2czNjV0SDdPMzhpLUhBWElnSnhXd3hEVC1hZw?oc=5" target="_blank">A new US trade deal with Indonesia secures fossil fuels and access to critical minerals</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<font color="#6f6f6f">AP News</font>

AP NewsMar 18
TSA officers are the latest aviation workers to be used as ‘political pawns.’ They just want the shutdown to end - CNN
Politics

TSA officers are the latest aviation workers to be used as ‘political pawns.’ They just want the shutdown to end - CNN

CNNMar 19
Delta Air Lines Says It Will Suspend Special Services for Congress Members
Politics

Delta Air Lines Says It Will Suspend Special Services for Congress Members

Airport escorts and “red coat” assistance for lawmakers will be suspended, the airline said on Tuesday, citing the extended partial government shutdown.

New York TimesMar 24
Deal emerges to end Homeland Security budget standoff as TSA disruptions deepen - AP News
Politics

Deal emerges to end Homeland Security budget standoff as TSA disruptions deepen - AP News

<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMisgFBVV95cUxOdWIwRnpZOEpRbHhlTUtVeXpmb25rYmhDdTl1ME5uT1RSRVZObXNXSVhsN1YtOU9OTW9TeWFiV3hyMEJqVjhxRDltbHNaT1dSMFE2dFU0blJYb19BWFpwR3JaX3RXQUNvWGxsa2dlbkJnQWlJS3BCWHNsd3p5aHpzN2pNY2pYTlhJbmRpZmJ0OFJWRXFhUTdSU08zSHdRYnZUdnJHUldJV3I4SmdmV0dEUkd3?oc=5" target="_blank">Senators consider deal to fund Homeland Security but not ICE enforcement as airport lines snarl</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<font color="#6f6f6f">AP News</font>

AP NewsMar 24
Trump preemptively endorses Sydney Gruters, wife of RNC chair, for Congress
Politics

Trump preemptively endorses Sydney Gruters, wife of RNC chair, for Congress

President Trump announced Tuesday that he would endorse Sydney Gruters, the executive director of the New College Foundation and wife of Republican National Committee (RNC) chair Joe Gruters, if she decides to run for retiring Rep. Vern Buchanan’s (R-Fla.) seat in Congress. “A Highly Successful Civic Leader and Public Servant, Sydney has dedicated her life…

The HillMar 24
Read Next
The Case That Could Upend Who Gets to Be an American Is Back at the Supreme Court
Politics

The Case That Could Upend Who Gets to Be an American Is Back at the Supreme Court

Next week, the Trump administration’s bid to deny birthright citizenship to the US-born children of undocumented immigrants and non-green card holders through an executive order will arrive at the Supreme Court—yet again. Last year, the justices didn’t address the constitutionality of the order directly; instead, they ruled on a procedural question to limit the power […]

Continue reading

Did this story change how you see things?

Stories like this only matter when people see them. Help us get verified journalism in front of more eyes.

Share this story

Get the daily digest

Save for later

The Verity Ledger curates verified investigative journalism from trusted sources only.

See our sources