Group of GOP senators back more money for airlines to pay workers

A group of Republican senators are pushing for more money for airlines to be included in the upcoming stimulus package. 

In a letter addressed to both Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), the 16 GOP senators asked them to “support a clean extension of payroll support” included in the CARES Act. 

The March stimulus package included $32 billion in payroll subsidies for the airline industry, which was hard-hit early on in the pandemic. Those funds and the ban on layoffs within the industry both expire Oct. 1.

The lawmakers noted that though travel has increased, it is not back to 2019 levels. Airlines have reported massive losses that could potentially trigger layoffs or furloughs. 

“Such businesses and their workers are uniquely tethered to air travel and have been and will continued to be significantly impacted by the decline in air travel,” the lawmakers wrote. “Congress should also renew support for our nation’s airports as they continue to facilitate passengers as safely as possible.”

Though the lawmakers did not specify an exact amount they wanted in the bill, airline executives and unions have reportedly requested Congress allocate another $32 billion. 

Several lawmakers signed on to the bill are facing tough reelections, such as Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine), Martha McSally (R-Ariz.) and Cory Gardner (R-Colo.).  

Their request comes as lawmakers continue negotiating a stimulus package. The $1 trillion Republican proposal does not include additional funding for the airline industry; the $3 trillion Democratic proposal does.