Thanksgiving Travel at Risk Amid Ongoing Government Shutdown
As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, the ongoing partial government shutdown poses a significant threat to travel plans for millions of Americans. House GOP leaders have issued stark warnings that if the shutdown continues, it could lead to widespread flight cancellations and delays during one of the busiest travel seasons of the year.
The Current State of the Shutdown
Since October 1, the federal government has been partially shut down, affecting essential services and workers. Air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees, classified as essential personnel, are required to work without pay. This situation has already led to reports of increased absenteeism among these workers, with many calling in sick, further complicating the travel landscape.
House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) expressed concerns during a recent press conference, stating, “Airports will be flooded with flight cancellations and delays amid the busiest time to travel all year.” His comments underscore the potential chaos that could ensue if the shutdown persists.
Historical Context of Government Shutdowns
This current shutdown is already the fourth-longest in U.S. history, with the longest lasting 35 days between December 2018 and January 2019. That shutdown, which began just before Christmas, had severe implications for federal services, including safety inspections. Experts warned at the time that the lack of oversight could compromise public safety, a concern that resonates today as the holiday travel season approaches.
During the previous shutdown, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) furloughed approximately 11,000 employees, which severely impacted air traffic operations. Although hiring for air traffic controllers is ongoing, the current situation raises questions about the adequacy of staffing levels during peak travel times.
Legislative Stalemate
Efforts to resolve the shutdown have been complicated by political maneuvering. House Republicans attempted to pass a stopgap continuing resolution (CR) to keep the government operational through November 21. This measure aimed to buy time for Congress to finalize the 12 appropriations bills necessary for full government funding, a requirement that must be met annually by October 1.
Despite passing in the House and garnering support from some Senate members, the CR has faced a filibuster from Senate Democrats. They have demanded concessions on healthcare policy, leading to a stalemate that has left federal workers and the traveling public in limbo. GOP Conference Chairwoman Rep. Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) criticized the Democrats, stating, “As TSA agents and air traffic controllers show up without pay, Democrats brag they won’t budge until planes fall out of the sky.”
Impact on Travelers
The implications of the shutdown are already being felt at major airports across the country. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Hollywood Burbank Airport have reported staffing shortages, leading to travel disruptions. According to FlightAware, nearly 60,000 flights in the U.S. were delayed on a recent Sunday, highlighting the strain on the air travel system.
As Thanksgiving approaches, the potential for further delays and cancellations looms large. The holiday season typically sees a surge in travel, with millions of Americans taking to the skies to reunite with family and friends. The combination of a partial government shutdown and the usual holiday rush could create a perfect storm for travelers.
Military Personnel Affected
The shutdown also has implications for active-duty military personnel, who are set to miss their first paycheck on Wednesday. President Trump has indicated plans to reallocate funds to mitigate the impact on military families, but the uncertainty surrounding paychecks adds another layer of stress for those serving the country.
Conclusion
As the Thanksgiving holiday draws near, the ongoing government shutdown presents a significant challenge for travelers and federal workers alike. With the potential for widespread flight disruptions and the looming threat of missed paychecks for military personnel, the stakes are high. The political stalemate in Congress continues to hinder progress, leaving many to wonder if a resolution will come in time to avert a travel nightmare. As history has shown, the consequences of a prolonged shutdown can be far-reaching, affecting not just government operations but the lives of everyday Americans.
