Missouri Senator Josh Hawley urges solution for government shutdown, asks Boeing CEO to negotiate worker wages

By: Noel Hardin

WASHINGTON (KQTV) -- United States Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) is again speaking out against the ongoing government shutdown, calling the 37-day stalemate a "grim milestone" as it becomes the longest in American history.

Hawley criticized Democratic lawmakers while highlighting the shutdown's impact on millions of Americans, including 42 million people without food assistance and unpaid federal workers.

"Right now, air traffic controllers are not getting paid," Hawley stated. "Many are consequently unable to work - they've got to find other means of sustaining their families. Thousands of flights are canceled across the country. This is a crisis. I would plead with my Democrat colleagues: reopen the government for heaven's sake. This has gone on too long."

Hawley is also urging Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg to negotiate terms with over 3,000 St. Louis machinists who have been on strike for 14 weeks. The senator sent a letter to Ortberg stating, "It is time to get a deal done," noting that workers have been without paychecks and healthcare access for weeks."

"I want to see Missourians treated well," Hawley said. "Boeing has paid other workers from other states very well, yet they're refusing to do the same for Missouri workers. I want to see these 3,000-plus Missouri families get a good wage that keeps up with inflation, be able to pay their bills, take care of their kids, and get back to work. Boeing needs to get after it."

The dual crises highlight ongoing labor and governmental challenges affecting thousands of Missouri residents as the historic shutdown continues without immediate resolution in sight.