US Senator James Lankford (R-OK) has joined a group of lawmakers in introducing legislation aimed at maintaining food assistance benefits and ensuring pay for air traffic controllers during the ongoing government shutdown.
Lankford highlighted the importance of these measures, stating, “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. 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.”
Currently, more than 684,600 residents in Oklahoma rely on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for food support each month. Nationwide, there are about 14,000 air traffic controllers and 61,000 Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees working without pay as a result of the funding lapse. Since October 1, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) facilities have reported 264 staffing issues—a significant increase compared to 60 during the same period last year.
Lankford continues to advocate for his Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2025. This proposed law would require Congress to remain in session until they resolve federal funding issues and prevent future shutdowns.
The Keep SNAP Funded Act, introduced by Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO), proposes that Congress appropriate funds necessary to provide uninterrupted SNAP benefits during a government shutdown. These provisions would be retroactive to cover any gap since the start of the shutdown.
Another measure, the Keep America Flying Act of 2026 led by Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), seeks to ensure continued pay for air traffic controllers, TSA officers, and other essential aviation personnel during periods when federal funding lapses. The bill would supply FAA and TSA with resources needed to maintain travel safety and efficiency for passengers.
Full texts of both legislative proposals can be found online: Keep SNAP Funded Act and Keep America Flying Act of 2026.
