By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters] – After asking the top airlines to answer her July question about worker shortages despite being granted billions in pandemic relief, the chair of U.S. Senate Commerce Committee will hold an oversight hearing regarding the airline industry.

Senator Maria Cantwell sent July letters to Chief Executives of American Airlines, Delta Air Lines (NYSE;), Southwest Airlines(NYSE:)and JetBlue Airways. Wednesday interview revealed to Reuters that she is planning to attend a tentatively scheduled hearing on Dec. 8, which will be inclusive of airline participation.

Cantwell stated, “We will continue to perform our oversight role”

Three separate rounds totaling $54B were approved by Congress to cover large amounts of U.S. airline payroll costs up through September 30, as part of COVID-19.

Recently, American Airlines and Southwest Airlines were hit by staffing shortages. Spirit Airlines (NYSE:), because they are increasing flights in anticipation of the holidays but have difficulties finding sufficient flight attendants or pilots.

While the Southwest Pilots Union did not immediately reply to Wednesday’s request for comment, Casey Murray from Southwest told the Dallas Morning News last year that while the union had stated it was cutting its fall schedule to accommodate staff shortages, they have since added flights, which has led to problems.

Airlines for America is an industry trade organization that declined to comment about the hearing.

Cantwell’s Committee heard Wednesday from Steve Dickson, chief of Federal Aviation Administration. He said that some difficulties in airline operations were “due to more changes in consumer behaviour” such as a rise in leisure travel. He added that they probably do not have the same amount of buffers as before.

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby (NYSE:) told customers https://twitter.com/davidshepardson/status/1456027335111725056?s=20 Wednesday it gradually added flights back even if it meant “sacrificing some possible short-term profits to ensure a reliable operation.”

Cantwell asked Cantwell questions regarding “flight cancellations and flight delays”, creating havoc for consumers and frustrating them as Americans travel more.

Cantwell stated that each airline had “poorly managed their marketing of flights, workforce, as more people travel, and at worst it did not meet the tax payer funding intent and prepare for this surge in travel we now see.”

Involuntary layoffs and reductions in worker wages were prohibited by the government for airlines.

Cantwell reached out to the airlines (including Allegiant Airlines & Republic Airways) in July for information about their workforce management practices and ways to reduce labor shortages resulting from increased demand.