Transportation Secretary Issues Warning Amid Government Shutdown
Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy has raised concerns that the Department of Transportation (DOT) may need to “restrict certain areas of our airspace” if the ongoing government shutdown extends into the following week.
During a press conference on Tuesday, Duffy explained that the longer the government remains shut down, the more affected Americans, particularly those in unpaid jobs, will be faced with tough choices about their employment. “As time goes on, more hardworking individuals will struggle with bills and daily decisions,” he said. “Will they continue as air traffic controllers or search for new jobs to make ends meet, put food on the table, and fuel their vehicles? I think it’s safe to say the situation is likely to deteriorate over time.”
Duffy mentioned that “this Thursday,” air traffic controllers will receive an email with their upcoming pay stub, and he noted that it will reflect “significant zeros.” He pointed out that while many controllers might manage a single missed paycheck, a second absence would be unsustainable for them.
“Democrats, expect considerable disruption in just a week,” Duffy warned. “We will experience numerous flight delays and cancellations, and we could potentially close sections of our airspace due to a lack of available air traffic controllers.”
His remarks followed a call from United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby, who on October 30 urged for a straightforward continuing resolution (CR) to reopen the government.
“Thirty days have gone by. I don’t have a political agenda regarding how to resolve matters related to healthcare, but we need to act. It’s time to push through a clean CR and focus on negotiating the substantive issues that the American public is eager for politicians to address,” Kirby said during a press briefing.
Due to the shutdown, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has had to suspend flights to major destinations, including Los Angeles International Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport, because of a shortage of air traffic controllers.
