TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Thousands of air traffic controllers across the United States missed their first paycheck Tuesday due to the government shutdown, which has now lasted nearly a month.

"We don't want to get a second job, and we want to be able to come to work, do our job, keep people safe when they're flying to their vacations or on business. We thought it was going to end a lot quicker than it did or has. We were hopeful that we would not miss a paycheck," said Matthew Chapman, with the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA).

Representatives from the NATCA canvassed 22 airports across the country, petitioning passengers to reach out to their elected officials to alleviate their financial hardship. Employees from the organization's Florida chapter were seen at Tampa Inte

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