In a decisive statement that has stirred up further controversy amid the ongoing government shutdown, House Speaker Mike Johnson declared that he will not reconvene the House to pass legislation specifically to pay air traffic controllers and other essential workers. Johnson's rationale hinges on the belief that such efforts would be futile as they would likely be blocked in the Senate, controlled by Democrats.

During a press conference alongside Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Johnson pointed the finger at Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, accusing him of not doing enough to reopen the government. “It would take the pressure off Schumer to get his job done and open the government again,” Johnson explained.

The urgency of the situation was underscored by Duffy, who highlighted the plight of air traffic controllers who are on the brink of missing their first paycheck since the shutdown began. Duffy warned of the potential increase in flight cancellations and delays necessary to maintain safety in the skies.

Despite the pressing need, Johnson dismissed the idea of passing a standalone bill to fund air traffic controllers, which was proposed by Senate Commerce Chair Ted Cruz. Johnson noted that a "clean" stopgap funding bill, which also includes provisions for TSA agents and air traffic controllers' salaries, was already passed by House Republicans a month ago.

Furthermore, Johnson stated that any move by the House to address the payment of federal workers during the shutdown would be blocked by Senate Democrats, rendering such actions a waste of time. This statement comes even as the Trump administration scrambles to find ways within the executive branch to reallocate funds to cover the controllers' salaries, a monthly expense estimated at over $500 million.

The potential safety implications of the prolonged shutdown were also mentioned by House Transportation Chair Sam Graves, who expressed concern about the growing frustration among unpaid air traffic controllers. “It’s not right now, but that’s a good question. I mean, it could eventually become one — a safety issue," Graves remarked, emphasizing the need for a swift resolution to the shutdown.

As the deadlock continues, both the safety of air travel and the livelihoods of federal employees remain precariously uncertain, with solutions appearing distant amidst entrenched political stances.