Merrimack Air Traffic Controller Works Without Pay Amid Shutdown

WASHINGTON, DC — New Hampshire U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen on Wednesday highlighted the plight of an air traffic controller working without pay in Merrimack amid the government shutdown. Andre Jean, of Derry, works at the Boston Terminal Radar Approach Control facility. He recently wrote a letter to Shaheen, who read part of it on the Senate floor.

"Air traffic controllers have remained on the job, dedicated to the safety of every flight," Jean wrote. "But, we don’t know when we will receive our next paycheck. My colleagues and I have suffered the sudden loss of our income due to the government shutdown. It’s going to be hard for me to meet all of my financial obligations."

Shaheen said she has heard from more than 100 fellow air traffic controllers in the Granite State who are called for the shutdown to end.

"All of those air traffic controllers … understand the safety of the skies in the United States depends on them," Shaheen said. "And they’re there. They’re not getting paid. They’re experiencing hardships like Andre’s talking about. But they are there doing everything they can to make sure that the American public can fly safely."

The shutdown stretched into its 26th day Wednesday, making it the longest in the country's history.

Related:

• Trump Declares He'll 'Never Back Down' In Shutdown Fight

Photo: Sen. Jeanne Shaheen speaks on the Senate floor Jan. 16, 2019, next to a picture of Merrimack air traffic controller Andre Jean and his family. (Credit: Office of Sen. Jeanne Shaheen)