Speaker Johnson Considering Legislation to Pay Air Traffic Controllers, Military During Shutdown

House Speaker Mike Johnson said on Oct. 7 that he is open to passing legislation during the government shutdown that ensures military members and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) air traffic controllers don’t miss their next paychecks.

Johnson spoke with Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) at a press conference on Tuesday afternoon, where the House speaker was asked if he was open to the idea of paying the military and air traffic controllers as an emergency measure in the next week or two while the government is shut down.