At a recent event sponsored by Airlines for America, Rep. Rick Larsen (D-Wash.) and former New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu (R) expressed serious concerns about the risks posed to American aviation by increasing partisanship and the frequency of government shutdowns. Sununu described the normalization of shutdowns as alarming, referencing the unprecedented occurrence of two shutdowns within a single year. The most recent shutdown lasted 43 days and followed a 76-day funding lapse at the Department of Homeland Security, both of which resulted in significant disruptions, including over 1,000 TSA employees quitting their jobs due to unpaid work. Sununu criticized populist lawmakers for exacerbating the situation, arguing that their actions create chaos within the system, adversely affecting the economy and travel efficiency. Larsen highlighted the necessity for bipartisan efforts within the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, asserting that their collaborative approach stands in stark contrast to the prevailing hyperpartisanship. He also noted the long-term implications of shutdowns on the Federal Aviation Administration's ability to retain air traffic controllers, a critical concern for the future of U.S. aviation.