US government shutdown takes toll on air traffic controllers, Transportation secretary warns
'You’re going to see more delays, more cancellations, and then you see more Americans frustrated at Democrats, and they’ll say, open up government,' says Sean Duffy
ISTANBUL
US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned on Sunday that the federal government shutdown is creating increasing fatigue and staffing shortages among the nation’s air traffic controllers.
During a TV interview, Duffy said that 22 staffing triggers were reported on Saturday, an unusually high number indicating critical personnel shortages.
“That’s one of the highest that we’ve seen in the system since the shutdown began,” he noted, and said “that’s a sign that the controllers are wearing thin.”
Duffy added that more and more controllers have been calling in sick and that many federal employees are taking second jobs to pay rent and cover basic expenses. He urged controllers to continue reporting for duty, assuring them that they would receive their pay once the shutdown ends.
The transportation secretary blamed Democrats for the impasse and warned travelers to expect more flight delays and cancellations in the coming days.
“You’re going to see more staffing shortages in towers, which means you’re going to see more delays, more cancellations, and then you see more Americans frustrated at Democrats, and they’ll say, open up the government,” he said.
According to The Washington Times, the shutdown, sparked by a dispute over healthcare funding, has halted pay for hundreds of thousands of federal workers. The Department of Agriculture warned that if the standoff continues, the Supplemental Food Assistance Program benefits could run out by Nov. 1, while the administration also indicated that military pay could be affected by mid-November.
Democrats, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, blamed Republicans for the deadlock and called for "bipartisan talks" to reopen the government and extend Affordable Care Act tax credits.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, however, accused Democratic leaders Charles Schumer and Jeffries of “political posturing.”
As tensions in Washington escalated, Duffy offered a blunt message to frustrated travelers: “Call Chuck Schumer.”
The shutdown began Oct. 1 after a breakdown in negotiations on federal spending priorities. Thousands of federal workers have since been furloughed, or working without pay, while government services have been curtailed or suspended.
The longest government shutdown in US history lasted 35 days in 2019.
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