The US government's closure is about to enter its second month, and the impacts of the confrontation between the Republican and Democratic parties are getting tense. Flights have begun to get jammed and critical food aid is running low.
US Secretary of Transport Sean Duffy warned that passengers will face more delays and cancellations in the coming weeks. The reason is that the prolonged government shutdown is exacerbating the shortage of air traffic control (ATC) personnel.
Many ATC employees are given unpaid leave or have to work unpaid, leading to a shortage of personnel at checkpoints. Flights from Los Angeles to Oakland, California were suspended for nearly 2 hours on the morning of October 26 due to personnel issues.
Not only the aviation industry is affected, millions of low-income Americans are also facing the risk of losing essential food support. The US Department of Agriculture has announced that as of November 1, it will no longer send food aid under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps. "In short, the funding is exhausted," a statement on the Ministry's website said, blaming the Democratic Party for the closure.
Last week, air traffic controllers were informed that they would not be paid as the government closed down. This situation began on October 1 due to a deadlock in budget approval, related to the expiring health benefits of the Affordable Care Act. Federal employees will not be paid until the budget is re- Funded, and there is currently no sign of an early settlement.
US Secretary of Transport Sean Duffy said more and more ATC employees are reporting illness and not going to work, some are looking for a second job or other sources of income to make ends meet.
Politically, the deadlock continues. The Democrats said they are waiting for the Republicans to negotiate the subsidies. In contrast, Republicans have said they will only discuss the subsidies after Democrats vote to reopen the government.
