Rep. Larsen issued the below statement in support of the Transportation Security Administration officers and air traffic controllers who held a rally at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to call for an end to the partial government shutdown. 

"I stand with you today in calling for the government to reopen, to put Americans back to work and to ensure you get the back pay to which you are entitled.

"U.S. aviation is the gold standard of flight because of you.

"Your work ensures the safety of the traveling public, keeps the aviation system running efficiently and enables passengers to reach their final destinations without incident.

"Unfortunately, this shutdown is rippling throughout the aviation economy.

"I have heard from many of you who are feeling the brunt of the shutdown.

"TSA workers are having to choose between coming to work and not getting paid and staying home to support their families.

"Flight attendants have rightly expressed concerns about safety for the traveling public and themselves.

"We fought hard during the FAA reauthorization process to include important safety provisions like mandatory ten hours of flight rest for flight attendants and working to address sexual harassment of employees, passengers and crew. Unfortunately, during the shutdown the FAA will not begin oversight of these mandates.

"I stand with you. The president must reopen the government, put Americans back to work and ensure you get the back pay to which you are entitled."