(Washington) The U.S. federal government shutdown entered its 23rd day on Thursday, with the Trump administration and Republican congressional leaders warning that flight delays will worsen.
Approximately 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 Transportation Security Administration (TSA) personnel will have to work without pay during the shutdown.
White House Press Secretary Levitt said Thursday (October 23) that the administration is concerned about increased flight delays, disruptions, and cancellations at major U.S. airports during the upcoming holiday season. "If Democrats continue to shut down the government, American air travel will also come to a halt."
However, Democrats denied responsibility and accused Trump and Republicans of refusing to negotiate. The core reason for the prolonged shutdown is the bipartisan deadlock over health insurance benefits, which has prevented passage of a temporary funding bill.
U.S. Department of Transportation officials revealed that absent air traffic controllers accounted for 53% of flight delays last week, far exceeding the typical 5%.
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House Speaker Johnson said the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) currently does not have enough resources to pay air traffic controllers and called on Democrats to pass legislation to reopen the government.
The Senate will consider a bill Thursday to pay essential workers during the government shutdown.
