[ltcdfancher]

How long do you think it might take for Congress to open the government if the FAA closed all US airspace; told ATC to go home once all commercial flights had landed safely; and told TSA to secure all terminals until airspace was reopened?

[Pugchief]

A better question: How long would it take if the people in congress stopped getting paid, with NO retroactive salary once things re-open?

[CarlR33]

Originally Posted by Pugchief

A better question: How long would it take if the people in congress stopped getting paid, with NO retroactive salary once things re-open?

yep, like private business/industry if you don’t do your job you don’t get paid or get fired.

[tophcfa]

Pressure is mounting on many fronts for a resolution. Can’t see this getting into Thanksgiving with the associated travel carnage.

[mbene]

I'm pretty sure no one in Congress is living paycheck to paycheck.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Originally Posted by Pugchief

A better question: How long would it take if the people in congress stopped getting paid, with NO retroactive salary once things re-open?

Members of Congress: $174,000
Speaker of the House: $223,500
House and Senate Majority and Minority Leaders: $193,400
President pro tempore of the Senate: $193,400

They don't get paid all that much, given the cost of living in the nicer parts of Washington DC. Most of them already have income from previous job pensions, current investments, businesses that they own, and their spouses. Most of them wouldn't miss their salary if it was taken away from them.

[oneclickplus]

Originally Posted by ltcdfancher

How long do you think it might take for Congress to open the government if the FAA closed all US airspace; told ATC to go home once all commercial flights had landed safely; and told TSA to secure all terminals until airspace was reopened?

They just need to close the airspace to all except commercial aviation. Then, when the senators can't fly around in their private jets or have their supporters fly them around, they will change their tune. They are personally unaffected by the shutdown right now. That's what needs to change. We don't need to make it worse on regular Americans by shutting down their flights.

[Whatnext]

Put the lot in a room, lock the door, and don't let them out until consensus is reached. Simple.

[Retiredsteve]

Originally Posted by Pugchief

A better question: How long would it take if the people in congress stopped getting paid, with NO retroactive salary once things re-open?

Better yet, why did the Speaker of the House send them home with pay?

[RoboVil]

Originally Posted by oneclickplus

They just need to close the airspace to all except commercial aviation. Then, when the senators can't fly around in their private jets or have their supporters fly them around, they will change their tune. They are personally unaffected by the shutdown right now. That's what needs to change. We don't need to make it worse on regular Americans by shutting down their flights.

You have that right. Close down airspace to private jets and this would be resolved within 24 hours.

[danglanzsr]

Originally Posted by Retiredsteve

Better yet, why did the Speaker of the House send them home with pay?

The House is still technically in session, although pro forma. Having passed the necessary Continuing Resolution, there is nothing on the table for the House to consider. So there is no reason for the House members to remain in DC.

Once the Senate has passed the Continuing Resolution, the government could reopen, and the House could reconvene to consider the Democrat proposals.

If the Senate were to pass the Bill proposed by the Democrats, it would have to be passed by the House. It would have substantial opposition in the House and would be unlikely to pass. Even if it did, it would probably be vetoed. Thus, the Democrat’s demand to pass their bill would be very unlikely to provide a path to reopening the government.

Unfortunately the Continuing Resolution passed by the House last month is about to expire and will have to go through the House’s process again.

[seoulbrooks]

Did not realize the FAA ran the government!

[Angelhug52]

Originally Posted by CarlR33

yep, like private business/industry if you don’t do your job you don’t get paid or get fired.

Remember that on Election day. Fire them by not voting them back in to their positions. No matter what side of the aisle they are on.

[Angelhug52]

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby

Members of Congress: $174,000
Speaker of the House: $223,500
House and Senate Majority and Minority Leaders: $193,400
President pro tempore of the Senate: $193,400

They don't get paid all that much, given the cost of living in the nicer parts of Washington DC. Most of them already have income from previous job pensions, current investments, businesses that they own, and their spouses. Most of them wouldn't miss their salary if it was taken away from them.

Might miss the perks. Health benefits. Freebees. Opportunities to invest etc.

[Mikee1]

Originally Posted by RoboVil

You have that right. Close down airspace to private jets and this would be resolved within 24 hours.

While it is easy to say and may seem to make sense, it would cause issues. A lot of part 91 flying (general aviation) is of medevac, humanitarian reasons, etc . Also, flight training, for future pilots, etc, etc.