WASHINGTON, 24 October (H.S.): The United States government shutdown stretched into its 23rd day on Thursday, October 23, prompting stark warnings from federal officials and state governments of escalating flight disruptions and an imminent cut-off of food assistance for millions of vulnerable Americans.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Republican congressional leaders cautioned that the nation’s aviation network faces increasing strain as essential personnel, including air traffic controllers, have now missed their first full paycheck.
The protracted political impasse has forced approximately 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers to work without pay.
The impact is already being felt, with Secretary Duffy noting last week that a staggering 53% of all flight delays since the shutdown began were attributable to staff absences among air traffic controllers, a dramatic increase from the typical 5%.
This has raised significant concerns about staffing shortages and potential safety risks as the shutdown continues with no clear end in sight.
Beyond the travel sector, the shutdown is threatening to create a severe hunger crisis. Several states, including California, Texas, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania, have issued urgent warnings that benefits for November under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) may not be distributed if federal funding is not restored.
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission explicitly stated on its website, SNAP benefits for November won’t be issued if the federal government shutdown continues past Oct. 27.These programs are a lifeline for over 41 million people on SNAP and nearly 7 million WIC recipients, who now face deep uncertainty.
Families are going to be hurt by this should it continue, at a time we know families are struggling to make ends meet, said Minerva Delgado, director of coalitions and advocacy at the Alliance to End Hunger.
In response, states like Oregon are advising residents to familiarize themselves with local food banks and make contingency plans in case the federal benefits are halted.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
