Transportation Secretary Duffy warns of strain of government shutdown on air traffic controllers

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned Sunday that air traffic controllers are “wearing thin” after weeks of working without pay during the government shutdown.

Mr. Duffy said 22 staffing triggers, or alerts, were reported on Saturday alone — an unusually high number that signals a critical personnel shortage.

“That’s one of the highest that we’ve seen in the system since the shutdown began, and that’s a sign that the controllers are wearing thin,” Mr. Duffy said on Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures.” “My message has been to the controllers: show up. That’s your job. Eventually, you’re going to be paid.”

Mr. Duffy acknowledged a growing number of controllers calling in sick or failing to report for work. He also noted that many federal employees have taken second jobs to cover basic expenses such as rent and groceries.

Blaming Democrats for the impasse, Mr. Duffy predicted that things will get worse in coming days.

“You’re going to see more staffing shortages in towers, which means you’re going to see more delays, more cancellations, and then you see more Americans frustrated at Democrats, and they’ll say, open up the government,” he said.

As the shutdown entered its 26th day on Sunday, its ripple effects have become increasingly visible. Federal workers have missed paychecks.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits — commonly known as food stamps — will cease Nov. 1 if the shutdown continues. The administration also warned that it will run out of ways to pay military members by Nov. 15.

The stalemate stems from a partisan clash over health care funding. Democrats have refused to support a Republican short-term funding bill that excludes an extension of Affordable Care Act tax credits set to expire at year’s end. Republicans, in turn, say they’re willing to negotiate health care reforms — but only after Democrats agree to reopen the government.

The finger-pointing continued Sunday as Democrats and Republicans fanned out across the television talk show circuit.

House Minority Leader Hakeen Jeffries insisted the onus is on Republicans, accusing President Trump and GOP leaders of failing to deliver on promises to reduce costs.

“As Democrats, we’ve maintained from the very beginning and continue to maintain, we will sit down anytime, anyplace, with anyone, either at the Capitol or back at the White House, to reopen the government, to negotiate a bipartisan spending agreement that actually meets the needs of the American people, and to decisively address the Republican health care crisis, particularly as it relates to the urgent need to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits so we can prevent tens of millions of Americans from experiencing dramatically increased health insurance premiums that will make access to a doctor unaffordable,” Mr. Jeffries said on CBS’ “Face the Nation.”

Meanwhile, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent blamed the shutdown on Mr. Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer, accusing the New York Democrats of political posturing.

“Both of the two guys from Brooklyn … are worried about being primaried from the left,” Mr. Bessent said on ABC’s “This week.” “ I call on moderate Democratic senators to end this craziness. You’ll be heroes.”

Mr. Duffy offered a blunt suggestion to frustrated travelers and federal workers: “Call Chuck Schumer.”

“If you’re frustrated, you have a staffing shortage and your flight’s three hours delayed, or your flight is canceled, call Chuck, call Senate Democrats,” he said.