As the government shutdown, dubbed the "Schumer Shutdown," drags on, Democrats are increasingly resorting to blaming President Trump in an attempt to deflect responsibility for their significant role in both initiating and prolonging the shutdown.
Central to the Democrats' stance is their demand for taxpayer-funded health insurance for illegal immigrants, a sticking point that has contributed to the ongoing impasse.
Reports from California highlighted a concerning situation at the Hollywood Burbank Airport, where the air traffic control tower was reportedly set to be "unmanned" for several hours. This development was attributed to a shortage of air traffic controllers, a consequence of the government shutdown.
According to ABC 7, despite being classified as "essential government employees," many air traffic controllers called in sick, unwilling to work without pay.
California Governor Gavin Newsom was quick to seize upon this news, directing blame at President Trump for the airport delays and the broader shutdown. "Thanks, @realDonaldTrump! Burbank Airport has ZERO air traffic controllers from 4:15pm to 10pm today because of YOUR government shutdown," he tweeted, as reported by RedState.
In response, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who had earlier addressed the delays and reiterated the administration's commitment to traveler safety, countered Newsom's accusations. Duffy pointedly reminded Newsom of the Democrats' role in the shutdown, stating, "Your Democrat friends shut down the government because they want to make Americans pay the health care for illegals. And no state has more illegals than California! You care more about illegals than our hard-working American air traffic controllers."
Despite the temporary staffing issues at Burbank Airport, air traffic was still being managed by Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) controllers based in San Diego. As explained by a spokesperson, "Although the air traffic control tower is unmanned, Southern California TRACON is controlling the air traffic in the airports airspace." This San Diego-based organization, operated by the FAA, utilizes radar technology to ensure the safe flow of planes through the airspace surrounding numerous airports in Southern California.
By Tuesday morning, the situation at Burbank Airport had reportedly returned to normal, with operations resuming as usual. The Los Angeles Times quoted an airport spokesperson confirming that everything was "back to normal."
As the shutdown continues, the demands of Governor Newsom and other California Democrats remain a significant factor in the ongoing stalemate. Their insistence on policies that prioritize benefits for illegal immigrants over the needs of American workers, such as air traffic controllers, underscores the broader ideological divide fueling the shutdown.
The impasse persists, with both sides entrenched in their positions, leaving the American public caught in the crossfire.
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