4 NJ Democrat Leaders Blast Trump, Shutdown At Newark Airport

NEWARK, NJ — They’re responsible for safeguarding the safety of millions of air travelers at Newark Airport. But for the past 18 days, a host of TSA agents, air traffic controllers and customs inspectors have been wrestling with uncertain futures due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.

On Tuesday, four high-profile Democratic lawmakers from New Jersey got together for a show of solidarity with the workers at Newark Liberty International Airport. Praising the hard work and community spirit of the affected airport employees, U.S. Senators Robert Menendez and Cory Booker joined with U.S. Representatives Albio Sires and Donald Payne Jr. to blast President Donald Trump and demand an end to the shutdown (see below video).

The workers are among 5,000 federal government employees in New Jersey who are going without pay as a result of the shutdown, the Democratic leaders said.

The shutdown was born from a bitter Democrat/Republican budget battle that escalated over the holiday season. President Trump is sticking with his demand for money to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, and Democrats, who took control of the U.S. House of Representatives on Jan. 3, are refusing to give him what he wants.

• See related article: GOP, Democrats Trade Blame For Shutdown, No Deal In Sight
• See related article: House Democrats Unveil Plan To Fund Government, But Not A Wall

The shutdown isn’t just affecting government workers and their families, many of whom had to pinch pennies over the holiday season due to the lack of a paycheck. It’s also throwing a monkey wrench into IRS refunds, SNAP and WIC benefits, school/daycare food programs and immigration courts.

• See related article: 5 Ways Government Shutdown Could Hurt New Jersey
• See related article: New Jersey Workers Pine For Paychecks Amid Government Shutdown

Rep. Payne said that workers and travelers across the U.S. are “hurting,” and that the Senate “should vote to pass the House bills that would reopen our government.”

"The people who work at our nation’s airports keep us safe,” Payne charged. “Their hard work is the reason the United States has the world’s safest airline industry. It is a shame that hard-working Americans all around us are having to work without the promise of a paycheck during the Trump shutdown. Let’s restore sanity to our government and end the Trump shutdown madness."

“From Newark Airport to the Coast Guard patrolling off the Jersey Shore, the callous political games President Trump is willing to play at the expense of American workers is simply shameful," Sen. Booker said.

“Hardworking New Jerseyans shouldn’t be treated as political pawns to fulfill Trump’s ludicrous campaign promise of a wall on the Southern border,” Sen. Menendez said.

Many online commenters supported the lawmakers’ appearance at Newark Airport.

• “The GOP was in charge of both Houses of Congress for two whole years and didn't fund the wall. Stand Strong!”
• “Congress passed bills to open the government. It's Trump's tantrum that is keeping people out of work.”

But others ripped into the Democratic lawmakers for skirting over their own roles in the ongoing shutdown.

• “You forced the President's hand... he has no other options than to have a partial shutdown. This is your fault. You are not doing your jobs. Knock it off!”
• “Why don't the Dems be the adults in the room and reopen the government. Build the wall.”

Yet others pleaded for a level-headed compromise, regardless of party affiliation.

• “Please find a compromise which means everyone gets something and everyone gives up something.”

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Photo via Senator Robert Menendez