Vice President J.D. Vance warned on Thursday that holiday air travel could turn into a “disaster” if the government shutdown continues.
Speaking to reporters after a roundtable at the White House focused on the shutdown’s effects on air travel, Vance expressed concern, stating, “It could be a disaster.” He highlighted the plight of workers who have gone without pay for multiple paychecks, saying, “How many of them aren’t going to come to work?” He pointed out that long TSA lines could worsen if half of the staff are absent—not due to a lack of dedication, but because they need to seek other employment to support their families.
“Imagine if security lines stretch to four hours instead of one. What if pilots can’t report for duty because they’re too preoccupied with their bills to ensure safe flights? This could lead to significant delays,” he added. “We need the airline industry to function properly, but it can only do so if Democrats agree to end the shutdown.”
During the White House event, Vance was joined by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Airlines for America CEO and former New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu, and Teamsters President Sean O’Brien.
Major airports are already witnessing flight delays as staffing issues escalate, given that government employees are currently unpaid due to the shutdown.
Recently, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a temporary ground hold because of staffing shortages in Southern California’s air traffic control facilities.
This shutdown entered its 30th day on Thursday, nearing the record of 35 days set during the Trump administration. That shutdown was resolved after significant airport disruptions prompted both parties to negotiate. Now, GOP members, including Vance, are appealing to five additional Senate Democrats to collaborate with Senate Republicans on a straightforward continuing resolution to reopen the government.
