Democrat Shutdown Sends America’s Skies Into a Tailspin

Key Takeaways

• Air Traffic Controllers Unpaid: Over 13,000 air traffic controllers are working without pay, as Democrats’ shutdown drags into its third week.

• Holiday Travel at Risk: Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned Americans that flight delays and cancellations are inevitable if Democrats refuse to act.

• Aviation Workforce in Crisis: Recruitment and morale are collapsing as young controllers consider leaving the profession entirely — a blow to the future of U.S. aviation.

America’s skies are at risk — and Democrats are to blame. As the government shutdown drags into its third week, more than 13,000 air traffic controllers are being forced to work without pay, threatening to ground flights and cripple the U.S. travel system.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy didn’t hold back on Capitol Hill Wednesday, warning that the Democrat-led shutdown is pushing the aviation system to the brink. “They’re angry… They’re frustrated that the Congress — at least in the Senate — is focused on paying for health care benefits for illegals as opposed to paying their paychecks for the great work that they provide to the American people,” Duffy said.

Controllers are already feeling the pinch. “Next Tuesday is the first paycheck that they will not receive for the work that they did in October,” Duffy explained. “I don’t want my air traffic controllers to take a second job… I want them coming to their facilities and controlling the airspace.”

The fallout could stretch far beyond delayed paychecks. With holiday travel season approaching, Duffy warned Americans to expect delays and cancellations. “I can’t guarantee you that your flight’s going to be on time,” he said. “It’s going to depend on our air traffic controllers coming in to work every single day.”

Even worse, young recruits are reconsidering careers in aviation, disillusioned by a government that refuses to pay them. Democrats’ reckless shutdown isn’t just political theater — it’s an attack on America’s workers, travelers, and the very infrastructure that keeps the country moving.