During the longest government shutdown in history, only seven percent of the approximately 11,000 air traffic controllers and technicians who maintained air safety will receive a $10,000 bonus, sparking criticism from union officials. This occurred despite the fact that many worked without pay and some were forced to take on second jobs. Despite their efforts, there were widespread flight delays and cancellations during the shutdown. Former President Trump publicly criticized air traffic controllers who took time off during the shutdown.
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The Federal Aviation Administration announced that only 776 air traffic controllers and technicians with perfect attendance during the government shutdown will receive $10,000 bonuses, despite many others working tirelessly. This decision has sparked criticism from unions and lawmakers, who argue that all workers who maintained operations during the shutdown deserve recognition. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy defended the bonuses as acknowledgement of dedication, while the National Air Traffic Controllers Association and the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists union expressed concern over the exclusion of thousands of other dedicated employees. The FAA faced staffing shortages before the shutdown, which were further exacerbated during the shutdown due to absences and retirements, prompting flight cuts and safety concerns.
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The Department of Homeland Security has dramatically increased immigration enforcement, despite a decline in border crossings and evidence that undocumented people have lower criminal conviction rates than US-born citizens. This has manifested in the deployment of heavily armed agents against communities of color, often collaborating with local law enforcement. Concurrently, ICE is targeting delivery drivers and offering substantial signing bonuses to recruits, while public services remain underfunded. Ultimately, the article advocates for shifting priorities away from policing and military spending towards funding essential social programs like healthcare, education, and childcare, reflecting the need to prioritize people over policing and warfare.
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John Q. Hosedrinker