Government Clash Over Controller Absences
As the United States government shutdown entered its 43rd day, a significant political row erupted over the attendance of air traffic controllers. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy indicated that disciplinary action could be taken against controllers who routinely called out sick, even before they missed their first full paycheck.
Speaking at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport on Tuesday, Duffy's comments followed a much harsher threat from President Donald Trump, who used his Truth Social platform to demand all controllers return to work immediately.
A Tale of Two Statements
President Trump's message on Monday was unequivocal. He wrote, 'All Air Traffic Controllers must get back to work, NOW!!! Anyone who doesn't will be substantially 'docked.'' He expressed particular displeasure with those who 'took time off, even though everyone knew they would be paid, IN FULL, shortly into the future.'
When questioned by reporters about the President's stance, Secretary Duffy sought to present a more measured, though still firm, position. 'My concern is for those air traffic controllers who before they missed a paycheck during the shutdown, they decided on a continual basis not to show up for work,' Duffy stated.
He further questioned their dedication and patriotism, concluding, 'we are going to look at those controllers who continually made the decision not to show up for work... if we have controllers who systemically weren't doing their job, we will take action.'
Widespread Travel Disruption and a Looming Deadline
The ongoing political impasse, which began on October 1, has caused severe travel chaos for millions of airline passengers. Staffing shortages at major US airports led to massive delays and cancellations, with November 9 being the single worst day, witnessing over 10,000 flight delays and approximately 2,700 cancellations.
Air traffic controllers were partially paid in mid-October but missed their first full paycheck on October 28. They were set to miss a second paycheck this week, a scenario that could have crippled Thanksgiving travel. Experts had predicted record-breaking travel numbers for the 2025 holiday, following nearly 80 million Americans travelling in 2024.
However, a resolution appears imminent. The House was scheduled to vote on a Senate-passed continuing resolution on Wednesday evening to fund the government through January 30, 2026, which President Trump has pledged to sign. This would not only end the travel disruption but also restore SNAP benefits for 42 million Americans and resume pay for roughly 1.4 million federal workers.
The potential end to the shutdown emerged after eight Senate Democrats broke ranks on November 9, having been promised a future vote on extending Affordable Care Act subsidies in exchange for their support.
