WASHINGTON: With Congress still stalling over an extended bailout for airlines, President Donald Trump may take decisive action.
Trump could bypass Congress and sign an executive order to provide extra payroll funding for the airlines.
“If Congress is not going to work, this President is going to get to work and solve some problems. So hopefully we can help out the airlines and keep some of those employees from being furloughed,” said Trump’s Chief of Staff, Mark Meadows.
“We are looking at other executive actions.”
Payroll protection funding for airlines runs out at the end of September with the prospect of tens of thousands of job losses across the industry being announced just before the election.
Meadows says the White House is concerned about the looming 30 September expiration date, with no progress on a deal to extend funding.
It comes just a day after American Airlines warned that 19,000 jobs will likely go if federal funding isn’t extended.
Tens of thousands of more jobs are at risk across the industry from October.
Nicholas Calio, President and CEO of Airlines for America, welcomed the White House support and possible intervention.
“A challenging fall lies ahead for US carriers. Without additional federal aid, US. airlines are being forced to make very difficult business decisions, including furloughs and reductions in service,” he said.
