House Set to Vote on Bill as Airport Chaos Escalates Now

UPDATE: The House of Representatives is poised to vote this afternoon on a critical funding bill that aims to end the ongoing government shutdown, which is wreaking havoc on air travel across the United States. As lawmakers debate, thousands of travelers are feeling the immediate impact at major airports, with significant flight cancellations reported.

This morning, data from LaGuardia Airport revealed a staggering 11% of flights canceled, while both Newark and John F. Kennedy Airport recorded 4% and 2% cancellations, respectively. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy emphasized that despite some disruptions, commercial aviation has largely continued operations over the past two days, with only four staffing triggers reported on Tuesday, a significant drop from 81 on Saturday.

However, the situation could worsen dramatically. Duffy warned that if the shutdown persists, airlines may cease operations altogether as early as this weekend. “I think we would see that significant disruption coming this next weekend, maybe as early as Friday,” Duffy stated, “We might find airlines that have to make decisions, do they keep flying? If this doesn’t open, you might have airlines that say, ‘We’re going to ground our planes. We’re not going to fly anymore.’ That’s how serious this is.”

The urgency of the situation is compounded by the fact that nearly 42 million Americans relying on SNAP benefits are left in limbo due to the shutdown. Meanwhile, federal workers are facing financial strain as they go without pay. Duffy assured that once the government reopens, air traffic controllers would receive payment within 24 to 48 hours and would be fully compensated within a week.

As the FAA mandates a 6% reduction in operations, this figure is set to escalate to 10% this Friday, escalating the risk of further disruptions. Even if the shutdown ends, officials warn that it may take several days for flight operations to stabilize, as historical data will dictate the recovery timeline.

Travelers are advised to stay informed and prepare for possible delays and cancellations. The House vote is critical not just for the government but for the millions of Americans affected by this crisis. The implications of this vote extend far beyond politics, impacting the daily lives of millions and the economy at large.

As the situation develops, all eyes are on the House for a resolution that could bring much-needed relief to travelers and federal employees alike. Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds.