The federal government shutdown has entered its second month, and staffing shortages at major airports have caused delays across the country, said State Rep. Tim O’Brien (R-Evansville).
O’Brien said the federal shutdown has pushed Federal Aviation Administration air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration officers to work without pay under “excepted” status, leading to staffing shortages and increased delays for travelers. Last weekend, half of the nation’s busiest airports were hit with severe staffing shortages, resulting in passengers waiting for several hours in line at TSA checkpoints.
“Essential workers are asked to keep showing up to work at our airports despite not receiving their paychecks,” O’Brien said. “These workers are now dealing with serious financial strain and hardship, and they are forced to worry about how they will pay their bills.”
According to White House estimates, each week the shutdown continues will result in over $1 billion in lost travel-related spending, impacting the economy. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has warned travelers that they could face delays and cancellationsfor the duration of the shutdown.
In a Wednesday press conference, the U.S. Department of Transportation and FAA announced their plans for a 10% reduction in air-traffic capacity across 40 of the busiest U.S. airports in order to maintain safety protocols amid these staffing shortages.
O’Brien said that elected officials in the U.S. Senate are allowing the shutdown to continue unnecessarily, voting 14 times against a continuing resolution to reopen the government.
“The Senate must come to the table and end the political games, so that federal employees whose work keeps travelers safe every day can receive their paychecks,” O’Brien said. “As long as the shutdown drags on, these employees will go unpaid and Hoosier travelers can anticipate delays and cancellations.”
