FILE PHOTO. A airplane takes off from San Francisco International Airport. © Getty Images / Justin Sullivan
RT
Over 9,000 flights have already been canceled or delayed due to a shortage of air traffic controllers across the country
Democrats have said they will not agree to end the US government shutdown unless Republicans meet their demands, with one senior aide telling CNN it would take an airline catastrophe for the party to back down.
The federal government shut down on October 1 after Republicans and Democrats failed to agree on a spending bill in the Senate. The impasse has left hundreds of thousands of federal employees furloughed or working without pay as the standoff enters its second week.
The shutdown has also disrupted air travel across the country. According to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) data, more than 9,000 flights have been delayed or canceled amid a shortage of air traffic controllers.
Air traffic controllers are classified as essential workers and must continue working without pay, which has led to widespread absences and temporary closures at several major airports.
Nevertheless, Democratic leaders have told CNN they will hold their position until Republicans agree to extend Affordable Care Act healthcare subsidies. One anonymous senior Democratic aide told the outlet that as long as public perception remains in their favor, the party “will not concede short of planes falling out of the sky” – a remark that has drawn widespread criticism.
Republican Speaker Mike Johnson has also condemned Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer for reportedly saying that “every day of the shutdown makes it better for us,” accusing the Democrat of forcing Americans to suffer for political gain.
Schumer has accused the Republicans of “risking America’s healthcare” and refusing to negotiate in good faith.
The last government shutdown took place in 2018 during President Donald Trump’s first term and lasted 35 days, the longest in US history.
[…]
The Most Revolutionary Act 
Stalemate!
LikeLike
While ordinary Americans are held hostage to political aims.
LikeLike
Healthcare used to be affordable here and everywhere, before insurance got involved. The insurance industry has raised costs across the board. Take away Medicaid and Medicare (both add-ons by LBJ), health care costs would go down.
LikeLike
I would be more included to take insurance companies out of the picture. They consume far more of the health care dollar than Medicare and Medicaid. I don’t think people realize that insurance adds at least 20% to their health care bill, mainly for stockholder dividends and obscene CEO salaries.
LikeLike