Air traffic controllers haven’t been paid in two weeks—and Thanksgiving travel is teetering on the edge of disaster.
Vice President JD Vance and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stood firm Thursday: this government shutdown is a reckless gamble with American lives and family plans.
Vance opened the roundtable at the White House with a blunt reminder: our aviation system is only as strong as its people. When pilots and controllers miss paychecks, morale crumbles—and so does safety.
“Pilots under financial strain may walk away,” Vance warned. “Controllers juggling mortgage bills won’t stick around. Then we’ll see delays, cancellations—and worse.”
Duffy echoed the urgency. October’s mild weather masks the brewing storm. In November, holiday travel surges just as cold fronts bring turbulence. Without pay, vital staff won’t show up.
“This isn’t theory—it’s a ticking time bomb,” Duffy said. “Democrats are gambling with every Thanksgiving flight.”
Vance called out Senate Democrats by name: pass the clean continuing resolution now. No strings. No stalling. Fund the FAA. Fund air traffic control. Fund our families.
“We need five Democrats to do what’s right,” Vance insisted. “Reopen the government. Stop this political ploy.”
Every day this shutdown drags on, Americans face longer lines, missed connections, stranded loved ones—and an aviation workforce pushed to the breaking point.
The GOP demand is clear: restore pay, restore safety, restore service. No more excuses. Fund the skies before Thanksgiving becomes a nationwide travel nightmare.
