(NewsNation) — Jack Criss, Air Traffic Control Specialist for the FAA, voiced his concerns about the weeks-long government shutdown during the NewsNation Town Hall on Wednesday night at the Kennedy Center.
The 16-year air traffic controller spoke to NewsNation on Thursday morning about his struggles working two jobs: an air traffic controller and a DoorDash delivery worker to make ends meet.
The single father of a 14-year-old daughter said, “I’m Door Dashing to pay for my kid’s tuition and eating one meal a day to cut food expenses. But I do whatever I need to make it. But as a controller, we have to be rested, so there’s a balance that has to be respected; therefore, it’s tricky.”
Air traffic controller Jack Criss and daughter, Jaci Criss.
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The Washington, D.C.-based 40-year-old noted that the “government shutdown affects everyone uniquely. If you have enough savings, it does not have that much of an effect on you. But if you don’t have savings, then it can cause you a lot of pain, despair, and emotional instability.”
Criss’s remarks caused a passionate response from townhall panelist Stephen A. Smith, who walked off the stage after he made his comments.
“This is why you have so many Americans, excuse my language, so pissed off at Washington, because somehow, some way you get to have these conversations, engage in specific elements of it, to talk about what we need to do to get things better,” Smith said Wednesday night.
Smith railed over the shutdown before walking off stage, saying it’s workers like Criss who should be applauded.
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“And we’re up here talking about how much some money is going to cost, and the only person that don’t have a check coming is him,” Smith said.
Criss told NewsNation he was thankful for Smith’s comments.
“Stephen A. walking off the set showed passion, and if it weren’t for a pretty lady sitting next to me, the tears may have dropped from my face, but held them in. Thank you Stephen A. for the passionate consideration and eloquent retort to the senator’s conversations.”
Criss said he is an avid watcher of NewsNation’s Chris Cuomo, and that is why he decided to attend the event.
“I love Chris Cuomo. I love how he always brings in both sides. It’s not one-sided. I watch him every day,” he said. “I look up to him, in a sense. So, I wanted to attend because of him. I know that sounds like I’m overzealous over him, but it’s true. He’s a class act! But that’s why I attended.”
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Criss issued a plea to legislators as the government shutdown entered its third week. Democrats and Republicans have not been able to strike a deal over funding.
House Speaker Mike Johnson warned on Monday, “We’re barreling toward one of the longest shutdowns in American history.”
“Legislators, pass a bill to get working folks paid, or let us go home. Can’t have it both ways. And I know it’s hard. I know you guys are stuck between a rock and a hard place, but that’s what leaders are for. Negotiate. Give a little to take a little,” he said.
As for furloughed government workers, Criss told them not to give up hope.
“You are not alone. We’re working without pay as well. Be strong and do not give up. We will make it through this,” Criss said. “We appreciate everything you do for this great nation of ours.”
