Lankford Joins Efforts to Fund Food Assistance and Keep Air Traffic Controllers Paid Amid Government Shutdown
WASHINGTON, DC — US Senator James Lankford (R-OK) joined his colleagues in introducing legislation to protect families and keep America’s skies safe during the ongoing government shutdown. The bills would reinstate Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and ensure air traffic controllers continue receiving pay while federal funding remains lapsed.
“The Trump Administration has worked to protect Americans from the harm of this Democrat shutdown, but the only way to guarantee paychecks, keep our skies safe, and make sure families continue receiving SNAP benefits is to reopen the government,” said Lankford. “In Oklahoma, aviation is part of who we are. Like many air traffic controllers across the country, many in Oklahoma are still showing up to work without pay to keep travelers safe. They’re doing their jobs. Washington should do the same.”
More than 684,600 Oklahomans rely on SNAP benefits to supplement their family’s monthly food purchases.
There are currently 14,000 air traffic controllers and 61,000 Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees who are working without pay. Since October 1, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) facilities have reported at least 264 staffing issues, more than four times the 60 reported during the same period last year.
Background
Lankford continues to push his Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2025, which would take government shutdowns off the table and force Congress to stay in town until their work is done.
The Keep SNAP Funded Act, led by Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO), would ensure full funding for the SNAP program during the government shutdown. Under the bill, Congress would appropriate the necessary funding to provide uninterrupted SNAP benefits, retroactive to the start of the shutdown.
The Keep America Flying Act of 2026, led by Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), ensures that air traffic controllers, TSA officers, and other essential aviation personnel continue receiving pay during a lapse in federal funding. The bill provides the FAA and TSA with the resources needed to maintain safe and efficient travel for the American people.
You can read the full bill text for the Keep SNAP Funded Act HERE.
You can read the full bill text for the Keep America Flying Act of 2026 HERE.
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