WASHINGTON — Senator Tim Kaine announced Monday that his guest at the State of the Union Address will be the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) President and air traffic controller Paul Rinaldi of Manassas, Virginia.
NATCA represents thousands of air traffic controllers, many of whom were hurt by the recent government shutdown.
“I’m thankful Paul Rinaldi will join me as my guest to the State of the Union on Tuesday,” said Kaine. “As a leader of thousands of hardworking air traffic controllers, Paul knows the pain that federal workers endured during the shutdown and the threat to public safety it posed. I hope his presence on Tuesday serves as a reminder that we need to ensure Americans don’t go through that again.”
During the shutdown, Rinaldi raised concerns about tied and distracted air traffic controllers. Many were severely stressed and they were more likely to make mistakes after having to work second jobs to make ends meet.
Rinaldi also warned that it could take years to rebound from the impacts of the shutdown.
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The State of the Union Adress will take place on Tuesday.