Four of the country’s biggest airlines are urging Senate Democrats to approve a straightforward temporary funding measure to reopen the government. This push comes as airports nationwide experience increasing delays due to staffing challenges that have arisen after government funding lapsed a month ago.

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby emphasized the urgency on Thursday, stating, “It is time to pass a clean CR,” delivering a clear message to the Democratic senators still holding out.

Alongside United, leaders from American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Delta Air Lines are also advocating for Democrats to pass a bill already approved by the House, which would extend government funding until November 21.

Kirby highlighted that federal agencies have been closed for a month, compelling air traffic controllers to work without pay.

Following discussions with Vice President Vance, Kirby cautioned that the shutdown is negatively impacting the economy.

Former New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu (R), the CEO of the trade group Airlines for America, attended the meeting with Kirby, Vance, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Robert Isom, the CEO of American Airlines Group Inc.

American Airlines in a statement urged the Senate to pass a “clean continuing resolution” to reopen the government, something that Democrats have blocked 13 times because the House-passed stopgap does not address rising health insurance premiums.

“The quickest way to end this shutdown and get these workers paid is by passing a clean continuing resolution,” American Airlines said in a statement. “A prolonged shutdown will lead to more delays and cancellations and the American people, especially during the busy holiday season, deserve better.”

Delta and Southwest joined the call for Congress to pass a clean continuing resolution immediately to allow air traffic controllers to get paid before airport delays grow worse.

Delta warned “a system under stress must be slowed down, reducing efficiency and causing delays for the millions of people who take to the skies every day,” Reuters reported.

Southwest called on Congress to “immediately resolve its impasse and resume normal government operations.”

“The public expects and deserves to travel in a system in which air traffic controllers and federal safety and security employees are paid in a timely fashion,” it said in a statement reported by USA Today. “We ask Congress to adopt a clean continuing resolution.”

Senators faced 90-minute delays at Reagan Washington National Airport Thursday afternoon after they rushed to the airport to catch flights home after the last vote of the week. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ordered a ground stop at National Airport on Thursday due to “staffing” issues.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) told reporters he was one of the lawmakers impacted by the traffic snarl at Reagan.