UPDATE: As the government shutdown reaches its 26th day, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warns that air traffic controllers are feeling the pressure. Speaking on Fox News during an interview with Maria Bartiromo on October 15, 2023, Duffy stated, “The controllers are wearing thin.”
The ongoing shutdown has left many federal employees in financial distress, forcing air traffic controllers to seek additional income sources. Duffy revealed that controllers are increasingly turning to side jobs, asking, “Can I drive Uber? Can I find another source of income?” This situation highlights the urgent need for a resolution to the shutdown, as the safety and efficiency of air travel hang in the balance.
The impact of the shutdown is being felt across the United States, with air traffic controllers under immense stress as they manage airspace with reduced resources. Experts warn that continued strain on these critical personnel could lead to increased risk in aviation safety. The situation is developing, and the public is urged to stay informed as negotiations continue in Congress.
Duffy’s call for immediate action underscores the human cost of the shutdown. As federal employees struggle to make ends meet, the urgency for lawmakers to reach a compromise becomes clearer. The safety of millions of travelers depends on the well-being of air traffic controllers, and their current predicament cannot be overlooked.
In the coming days, all eyes will be on Congress as they attempt to resolve the deadlock. Observers are hopeful that a solution will emerge soon to alleviate the burdens faced by air traffic controllers and restore normal operations at airports nationwide.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as we continue to monitor the situation closely.