Concerns are rising over potential flight delays and unpaid salaries as the US government shutdown continues into its eighth day. Senators have blocked yet another Republican stopgap funding proposal, maintaining the standoff that has kept many federal workers at home or working without pay.
Lines at airports are expected to lengthen as more security and safety personnel report absenteeism at major hubs. While air traffic controllers, classified as "essential" workers, must still report to work, an increasing number have been calling in sick, leading to staffing shortages in various locations, including Chicago, Boston, and Houston. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has indicated that the situation could worsen, citing that over half of the current delays are due to a lack of staffing—up from just 5% prior to the shutdown.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has urged air traffic controllers to report to work, acknowledging the heightened stress levels many are experiencing due to uncertainty about their paychecks. Approximately 10,000 flights were delayed earlier this week, a number not seen as excessively high but concerning in light of the ongoing shutdown.
There is little indication that the shutdown will end soon, as Democrats are refusing to support any funding bill that does not include an extension of crucial health care subsidies affecting 24 million individuals. As the shutdown drags on, pressure mounts with federal workers—such as US Capitol Police—set to miss pay for the first time, and active-duty military personnel expected to receive their first paycheck losses next week.
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