U.S. Senator James Lankford is backing new legislation to protect food assistance and ensure air traffic controllers are paid during the ongoing federal government shutdown.
The proposals would restore Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and guarantee pay for air traffic controllers and other essential aviation employees while funding remains stalled in Congress.
“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,” Lankford said. “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 684,000 Oklahomans rely on SNAP benefits for monthly food assistance. Nationally, about 14,000 air traffic controllers and 61,000 Transportation Security Administration employees are working without pay. Since October 1, the Federal Aviation Administration has reported 264 staffing issues—more than four times higher than during the same period last year.
Lankford continues to promote his Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2025, which would require Congress to remain in session until federal spending bills are passed.
He is also supporting the Keep SNAP Funded Act, led by U.S. Senator Josh Hawley, to ensure uninterrupted food assistance, and the Keep America Flying Act, led by U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, to guarantee pay for air traffic controllers, TSA officers, and other aviation personnel during lapses in federal funding.
