Duckworth Slams Administration Policy on FAA Worker Bonuses During Shutdown

U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) has issued a sharp critique of the Trump administration’s decision to provide $10,000 bonuses exclusively to Federal Air Traffic Controllers and FAA technicians who worked without pay during the recent government shutdown and maintained perfect attendance.

In her letter dated Wednesday, December 3, 2025, Duckworth argued that this selective bonus distribution was unfair and disrespectful. She noted that only a small fraction—approximately 2.4% of controllers and about 6% of technicians—were eligible for the payment, excluding those who worked without on-time pay or had legitimate absences.

“Rewarding perfect attendance during government shutdowns is wrong,” Duckworth stated in her correspondence to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. “It creates a dangerous incentive for employees to work while sick rather than use authorized leave.”

Duckworth emphasized that such an approach undermines morale and ignores the dedication of thousands of workers who kept the National Airspace System operational despite financial constraints during the shutdown.

Furthermore, she contended that this policy could have unintended consequences on workforce health. “This creates a perverse and dangerous incentive,” Duckworth wrote, warning that employees might prioritize showing up for work over their well-being to avoid losing out on compensation.

The Senator also pointed out that rewarding perfect attendance sends an erroneous message about the importance of safety versus punctuality. According to her letter, excluding workers from pay due to absences during shutdowns would be a more appropriate measure than singling out those with flawless records.

Duckworth estimates that providing the bonus to all FAA employees who worked without pay could cost less than 1% of the agency’s annual budget, adding it as little financial burden compared to maintaining air traffic safety standards.