Government Shutdown Causes Air Traffic Controller Shortages and Flight Delays at U.S. Airports
Flight delays have been affecting several U.S. airports due to air traffic controller shortages caused by the ongoing government shutdown. The controllers, who are essential workers, have been working without pay since the funding lapsed earlier this month. House Speaker Mike Johnson stated that the House has completed its job and will not return before the Senate passes the Republicans' stopgap measure. The House has faced criticism for not passing the necessary annual appropriations bills, leading to the need for a short-term funding measure. Lawmakers were expected to return to session on multiple occasions but have been on break since September 19. Despite pressure to hold a floor vote on a standalone bill to pay the military during the shutdown, Johnson has been resistant, citing the passage of a short-term funding bill by the House. The Senate is not planning to return until Tuesday, with both Republican and Democratic proposals facing challenges in passing due to disagreements over health insurance tax credits.