US Congress weighs third aviation aid package as lobbyists warn of layoffs

Airline and aerospace lobbyists are urging lawmakers to approve a third round of payroll-support funding, including billions of dollars for workers at US aerospace manufacturing companies. They made their comments during a 2 March hearing that comes as the US Senate reviews a bill that would set aside another $14 billion in “payroll support” for US airlines. The bill, approved by the US House of Representatives on 27 February, would require airlines use the money to fund employee compensation. It would prohibit them from laying off workers until 30 September. The measure would also provide $3b in payroll funds to aerospace companies, including those making aircraft, aircraft engines and other aircraft components. That money would supplement half of those companies’ employee compensation costs. The US government has already passed two prior pandemic relief bills that set aside a combined $40b for airline workers. The most-recent of those laws prohibits airlines from laying off workers until 31 March.<br/>