The ongoing government shutdown is taking its toll on U.S. airline travelers, raising concerns that the situation might worsen just before the Thanksgiving holiday. As Day 28 of the shutdown unfolds, air traffic controllers and other federal workers are now facing paychecks that reflect zero hours. This troubling development adds to an already strained aviation sector, which suffers from a declining workforce. Rep. Troy Nehls, chair of the House Transportation Committee’s aviation subcommittee, emphasized the increasing pressure on air traffic controllers, citing their fatigue and financial struggles. “They’ve shared their growing concerns about fatigue, distraction and financial hardship as they continue performing essential work without pay,” he stated.
Flight cancellations and delays are becoming a real possibility. Nehls strongly believes that “this Democrat-led shutdown is putting an unnecessary strain on our nation’s aviation system.” He urges Senate Democrats to pass a clean continuing resolution to alleviate this growing crisis. However, Senate Democrats appear unmoved, as seen in Sen. Andy Kim’s remarks. He pointed out that the air traffic controller issue, along with the potential cutoff of federal food benefits, stems from ongoing GOP budget cuts. “These are things that they’ve constantly been attacking and putting the strain and pressure on air traffic controllers,” Kim noted, arguing that the narrative spun by Republicans is disingenuous.
As the Senate considers a bill from Sen. Ted Cruz aimed at paying air traffic controllers, Senate Majority Leader John Thune has yet to bring the bill to a vote. Thune reiterated that simply reopening the government would be the most effective way to resolve the funding crisis. Some Senate Democrats, like Sen. Richard Blumenthal, have expressed skepticism over using incremental funding measures while allowing President Trump free rein over spending. Blumenthal commended the dedication of air traffic controllers, who continue to report to work despite these financial hardships.
A troubling picture emerges as roughly 13,000 air traffic controllers handle daily operations, often working six days a week amidst a persistent shortage of employees. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy highlighted the gravity of the situation when he noted that many controllers may need to take on additional jobs to make ends meet. “I don’t want them delivering for DoorDash,” Duffy declared, emphasizing the importance of their primary role in aviation safety.
The repercussions of the shutdown reach beyond the halls of Congress. Los Angeles International Airport, among the busiest airports globally, issued a ground stop this past Sunday due to a lack of air traffic controllers. This disruption was just one of many, with air traffic issues reported across 22 locations that day. The impact on travelers is significant, as more than 3,300 flights were delayed across the U.S. by late Monday afternoon.
Sen. Roger Marshall remarked on the potential pressure points created by the impending payday for air traffic controllers. He believes that real repercussions might spur some Senate Democrats into action. “If the senators can’t go home Thursday night because of air traffic control issues, then I think it really could be a pressure point,” Marshall said. His observation reflects the urgency of the matter as those involved begin to grapple with the consequences of the shutdown.
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