In a recent press conference, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy issued a stark warning about the ongoing government shutdown's impact on the nation's air travel system.
He expressed concern that the refusal of Senate Democrats to fund the government without healthcare benefits for illegal immigrants is not only crippling air travel but also discouraging young air traffic controllers from pursuing their careers.
According to Gateway Pundit, Secretary Duffy painted a grim picture of the escalating stress on America's aviation network as the shutdown continues. The strain is evident from training facilities losing potential recruits to airports grappling with staff shortages.
Despite the lack of pay, Duffy stated that the Department of Transportation and FAA employees continue to work full shifts to ensure the safety and efficiency of air travel.
The Secretary revealed that a staggering 53% of all current flight delays are directly linked to air traffic staffing shortages, a situation that has been exacerbated by the ongoing Schumer shutdown. Duffy and President Trump have been striving to modernize U.S. airspace and increase the number of air traffic controllers. However, these efforts are now at risk due to the shutdown.
Duffy stated, Many of you have reported on the fact that we dont have enough air traffic controllers. Were about 2,000 to 3,000 air traffic controllers short in the system. I have developed a plan to supercharge air traffic controllers get more of them into the system. Its going to take a couple of years.
The administration has been recruiting "the best and brightest" to stabilize a system that has been strained by years of mismanagement and federal bloat. However, the shutdown is directly undermining these efforts. Duffy expressed concern about the impact of the shutdown on the recruitment of young controllers, stating, Were getting word back right now from our academy in Oklahoma City. Some of our young controllers in the academy, and some who have been given spots in the next class of the academy, are bailing. Theyre walking away."
The Secretary further explained, "Theyre asking themselves, 'Why do I want to go into a profession where I could work hard and have the potential of not being paid for my services?' Were seeing that real consequence right now. That affects my ability to continue this surge and get more people more young, well-trained controllers into our system."
Duffy also revealed that airlines have been providing food for controllers who can no longer afford meals due to missed paychecks. He said, When I was talking to the guys in the break room, they were eating in the break room, and they made sure I knew that the food they were eating had come from the airlines."
As the shutdown nears its fourth week, Duffy warned of worsening air travel disruptions and a shrinking pool of qualified controllers, direct fallout from what he called a foolish shutdown on behalf of illegals.
Duffy expressed his concern, saying, I cant project whats going to happen with our air traffic controllers. I have told them to show up for work, to do their jobs. But Ive also heard about the hardship on finding a second job when they already work, many of them, six days a week as air traffic controllers. Ive heard about gas, Ive heard about childcare, Ive heard about mortgages. We all look at each other and say, who can go without pay? How does that happen and work for them?"
As the nation braces for one of the busiest travel seasons of the year, the Schumer Shutdown threatens not just paychecks, but the very infrastructure that keeps the nations airspace safe. The consequences of this shutdown, according to Duffy, are not just financial but also have a significant impact on the lives of those who work tirelessly to ensure the safety of air travel.
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