WASHINGTON (United States): Concerns over flight delays and unpaid federal workers intensified on Wednesday as the United States government shutdown entered its eighth day with senators once again failing to end the stalemate.
Democrats voted for the sixth time to block a Republican stopgap funding measure to reopen government departments, leaving many federal employees either working without pay or sent home.
As the shutdown continued, airports across the country began feeling the strain with longer lines and staffing shortages reported at several major hubs.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said nearly a dozen airports including Chicago, Boston, Burbank and Houston have already been affected, with potential disruptions expected at Newark, a key New York area hub.
Air traffic controllers classified as essential workers are required to remain on duty during shutdowns, but absenteeism has risen as many struggle to cope without pay.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy urged controllers to report for work despite the financial hardship, saying many were stressed and worried about putting food on the table.
Duffy said more than half of recent flight delays were linked to staffing shortages compared with only five percent before the shutdown began.
Flight tracking website FlightAware reported about 10,000 flight delays on Monday and Tuesday, with the FAA warning that disruptions could worsen if the situation persists.
The FAA said when staffing shortages occur it slows traffic into certain airports to ensure safe operations.
The shutdown shows no sign of ending soon as Democrats continue to reject any funding bill that does not include an extension of expiring healthcare subsidies for 24 million Americans.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune has repeatedly pushed for votes on a temporary measure passed by the Republican-led House, but all attempts have failed to gain enough Democratic support.
Former president Donald Trump has hinted that many of the 750,000 furloughed workers could face permanent layoffs.
A White House memo circulated this week indicated that furloughed employees might not receive back pay once the government reopens.
Some federal workers including members of the US Capitol Police are expected to miss part of their pay for the first time on Friday, heightening pressure on Congress to end the deadlock.
The shutdown’s impact is set to worsen next week when 1.3 million active-duty service members, National Guard members and Coast Guard personnel are due to miss their first paycheck.-AFP
