Long Waits at Airports Blamed on Recent Government Shutdown
The White House stated on Monday that travelers enduring lengthy waits at airport security and flight delays over the weekend should, in a way, thank Democrats for not supporting the reopening of the federal government.
The Trump administration claimed that around half of U.S. airports faced staffing shortages, leading to numerous flight delays and cancellations. A White House news release suggested that “Americans are paying the price for Democrats’ sick political gamesmanship as air travel comes to a standstill in the midst of Democratic-led chaos.” It further stated, “Last weekend was the worst weekend for workers since the Democratic shutdown began, and things are only going to get worse, as essential workers like air traffic controllers and TSA agents are forced to work without pay.”
The shutdown was still ongoing as of Monday, with both Republicans and Democrats firm in their positions. By late Tuesday night, the shutdown officially marked its 36th day, setting a new record, surpassing the previous one from early 2019.
Strain on Air Traffic Controllers
The White House noted that wait times at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints surged over the weekend, exacerbated by essential workers such as air traffic controllers and TSA agents having to work without compensation.
At George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, wait times exceeded three hours, with some passengers stuck in lines for as long as five hours. In contrast, security waits at William P. Hobby Airport typically went over an hour.
Travelers in the New York City area were cautioned about potential schedule changes, gate holds, and missed connections. Significant disruptions were reported at several major airports, including those in Chicago, San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Miami, and others.
Impact on Other Programs
The White House mentioned that every major travel figure—ranging from air traffic controllers to the largest airlines—was urgently urging Democrats to cease the “madness” by passing a bipartisan continuing resolution proposed by Republicans. “Every week the shutdown drags on, over $1 billion in travel spending is lost, and Democrats are utilizing this pain for political maneuvering,” the statement continued.
Compounding the challenges at U.S. airports, funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which aids low-income families, was also set to lapse over the weekend.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York criticized, stating, “No American should go hungry. And it’s the Republican Party’s fault that’s happening in this country right now.”
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump, in an interview, emphasized that he “will not be forced” by Democrats who are seeking a deal to renew Affordable Care Act subsidies for millions of Americans expiring at year-end. He reiterated that he would only engage in negotiations after the conclusion of the government shutdown.
