On Saturday, over 1,400 flights were canceled and nearly 6,000 were delayed across the US due to reduced air travel capacity. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ordered airlines to cut traffic by up to 10% at 40 of the busiest airports as air traffic controllers report fatigue during the government shutdown. As a result, wait times at some airports, such as Newark Liberty International, were significantly increased. The flight reductions are scheduled to increase in the coming days as the shutdown, which began on October 1st, continues and the Thanksgiving holiday approaches.
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On Saturday, US airlines canceled 1,460 flights due to the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) order to reduce air traffic because of the government shutdown. The slowdown, a result of air traffic control staffing issues and forced, unpaid labor, is affecting at least 12 major US cities and could intensify, particularly impacting travel near the Thanksgiving holiday. As the shutdown continues, concerns arise about disruptions to tourism, shipping, and a potential rise in consumer prices due to increased costs. If the slowdown continues, the economy could suffer further losses throughout numerous industries.
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The Trump administration is threatening to reduce air traffic at “high-volume” airports due to the ongoing government shutdown, potentially leading to flight cancellations and delays. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy claims these measures are necessary to alleviate pressure on understaffed and unpaid air traffic controllers, placing blame on Democrats. The White House hopes to leverage this disruption to force a Republican-favorable resolution to the shutdown. However, the plan could backfire as the impacts will affect both Democrats and Republicans nationwide, potentially leading to bipartisan frustration over the issue.
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In a Saturday morning Truth Social post, President Trump proposed redirecting ACA funds from insurance companies to Americans to directly purchase healthcare. This suggestion comes amidst the ongoing government shutdown, the longest in U.S. history, as Democrats seek to ensure the continuation of ACA tax credits. Trump’s proposal is another potential solution, although its specifics and implications remain unclear. Further clarification has been sought from the White House, while Republicans and Democrats continue negotiations to end the shutdown.
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Fox News host Laura Ingraham expressed concern about the Republican party’s prospects in the upcoming midterm elections, warning that they would suffer significant losses if they failed to address the ongoing government shutdown. She urged Republican Senator Roger Marshall to support ending the filibuster, echoing President Trump’s calls, to allow the GOP to take action. Ingraham criticized Republicans for clinging to the filibuster, suggesting it was the only way for the party to “start doing things for the American people.” Marshall expressed openness to Trump’s proposal, but expressed the need to ensure Democrats wouldn’t end the filibuster if given the opportunity.
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Rep. Tim Burchett predicts the ongoing government shutdown will persist beyond Thanksgiving, citing the need for Democrats to concede on healthcare issues. He believes that negotiations will only occur after Democrats are willing to come to the table and discuss expanding health care subsidies. Republicans maintain their position, while Democrats are focused on extending Affordable Care Act subsidies, a stance Republicans view as a nonstarter. Republicans view the program as broken, and are therefore unwilling to negotiate until the government is reopened.
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The ongoing government shutdown is causing significant strain on air traffic controllers, leading to resignations and increased stress levels. According to the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, controllers are resigning daily due to the shutdown’s prolonged nature, exacerbating existing staffing shortages. Controllers are experiencing burnout, taking on second jobs, and calling in sick, putting a strain on the remaining workforce. To mitigate the impact, air traffic has been curbed in numerous markets, but the crisis will still impact the upcoming holiday season, and it will take months for things to return to normal.
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The recent impasse between Senate Republicans and Democrats continues as Republicans rejected a Democratic offer to extend expiring health care subsidies for a year. The core of the disagreement revolves around Affordable Care Act subsidies, a key point of contention during the ongoing 38-day government shutdown. This rejection has exacerbated disruptions to air travel and the provision of food aid. The parties remain at odds despite Democrats’ attempt to find common ground.
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Senate Democrats put forth a proposal to reopen the government by offering a one-year extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies, along with funding measures. This offer, presented by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, includes a “clean” continuing resolution and bipartisan appropriations bills. The Democrats’ proposal also establishes a committee to negotiate a long-term solution. However, Republican leaders, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune, immediately dismissed the offer as a “nonstarter,” citing concerns over the lack of restrictions on the funds. Despite the Democrats’ concession from their prior demands, the proposal faces significant opposition and uncertainty in both the Senate and the House.
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Deep mistrust among Senate Democrats towards President Trump has caused them to reject a proposal to reopen the government. Democrats are hesitant because of concerns that Trump will not act in good faith to extend health insurance subsidies or stop firing federal workers. Senate Democrats have expressed doubt that Trump will adhere to any agreement, citing past instances where he has undermined bipartisan negotiations and refused to cooperate with Democratic leaders. Republicans are now struggling to secure the necessary votes to end the shutdown due to this lack of trust.
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John Q. Hosedrinker