Lawmakers urge delay in control tower furloughs, reversal of plan to close towers

WASHINGTON – Two senators are urging the Obama administration to postpone the furloughing of air traffic controllers, saying the turmoil caused by reduced staffing raises economic and security concerns as well as inconveniencing thousands of travellers.

Kansas Republican Jerry Moran says delaying the furloughs that began Sunday would both give the administration a chance to change its mind about the necessity of the unpaid leaves and give Congress a chance to find a remedy.

Connecticut Democrat Richard Blumenthal says a postponement of at least 30 days is appropriate at a time when there are heightened security concerns.

The two lawmakers were promoting legislation to prevent another aspect of automatic government spending cuts — the closing of 149 Federal Aviation Administration contract control towers.