Although Congress seemed victorious on Tuesday, leaving Capitol Hill with a debt deal signed into law, politicians seemed to forget about the partial shutdown of the Federal Aviation Administration that began 11 days ago. After the debt bill passed, both Chambers of Congress began a five-week recess, but President Barack Obama was quick to call upon leaders to return to the capital to end the FAA shutdown, which is costing the federal government $30 million per day. The President approved a temporary funding extension, giving Congress until the end of the week to end the shutdown.

Congress seems to be deadlocked on not only the debt ceiling and spending cuts, but on the budgeting of the FAA as well. Among one of the more controversial points is the subsidy provided to airlines that provide air service to more rural airports. The program currently totals $163 million, and while Democrats wish to maintain the current subsidies, Republicans are looking to cut the program all together, reasoning that travelers can fly from larger airports that may be in the area. Republicans also want to pass measures that will make it more difficult for FAA workers to unionize, a measure on which Democrats aren’t willing to compromise.

Because of the shutdown, the federal government cannot collect the 7.5 percent tax on every ticket, leading to a $30 million loss each day. Four thousand workers and 70,000 contractors have been furloughed from their jobs because of the partial shutdown. There have been no statements made at this time by business leaders such as Alan Quasha.

While politicians in Washington play the blame game over which party is at fault for the continued shutdown, four employee unions that represent the furloughed FAA workers stated that these workers are disappointed in the fact that Congress would even think to recess before dealing with the FAA shutdown, which seemed to fall by the wayside with the August 2 debt default deadline looming over lawmakers’ heads.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is calling upon Democrats and Republicans alike to pass a short-term measure to reauthorize the FAA and allow politicians to deal with specific grievances once they return to the capital after their recess. Both chambers will continue to meet in a pro forma session for the next couple weeks, meaning that although senators and representatives aren’t present, leaders can still act.

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