The government shutdown has caused significant disruptions in air travel, and U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy spoke at Philadelphia International Airport to address the situation. He attributed the delays and cancellations to the refusal of Democrats to agree on reopening the government, stating, “If you’re seeing an increase in shutdowns right now, or delays, or cancellations, it’s because the Democrats won’t open the government back up.”
Duffy’s comments echoed a broader Republican narrative accusing Democrats of intentionally creating the shutdown to expand health care access to undocumented immigrants. However, these claims have been debunked by various policy experts, who assert that undocumented immigrants are already excluded from Medicaid and insurance under the Affordable Care Act.
With the shutdown in effect since October 1, air traffic controllers are poised to miss their first full paycheck next week. Although Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) has reported no significant disruptions, other airports, like Newark Liberty International, have faced challenges. Duffy noted that staffing shortages could lead to up to 53% of delays, a stark increase from the usual 5%.
In a concerning trend, some air traffic controllers are taking on secondary jobs to make ends meet, and as the toll of the shutdown grows, their focus on safety may be compromised. This echoes patterns from previous shutdowns, such as the 35-day closure that began in December 2018, when air traffic controllers began calling in sick, causing widespread delays.
Duffy’s visit comes amidst political blame-shifting, with various federal sites targeting the "Radical Left" or labeling the shutdown as “Democrat-led.” Notably, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem also blamed Democrats in a video aimed at airports, although many, including PHL, refused to play it due to restrictions on political messages.
Additionally, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s administration responded to the rhetoric, highlighting the impact of the shutdown on state benefits, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program due to a lack of federal budget agreement.
The prolonged nature of the shutdown threatens to disrupt travel during a peak season and could deter prospective air traffic controller trainees, as funding for their education is running low. Duffy emphasized the importance of proper funding to maintain safety and functionality in air traffic control.
As the crisis continues, Duffy also addressed issues surrounding SEPTA, criticizing Shapiro for the agency’s financial struggles. The governor’s office retorted that Shapiro has consistently sought stable funding from Senate Republicans, who have thwarted those efforts.
With safety inspections and repairs ongoing for SEPTA’s aging fleet, urgency surrounds maintaining service without further jeopardizing public safety. Duffy warned that any unrepaired cars might be taken out of service, emphasizing the need for immediate changes to ensure proper transit infrastructure in the region.