Flight operations at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) ground to a halt Friday, and air traffic control staffing shortages were cited as the cause. Still, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries deflected blame toward President Donald Trump after senate democrats voted 13 times to keep the government shutdown.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) imposed traffic restrictions and a ground stop at JFK through Friday evening, as staffing shortages and high winds compounded the effects of the government shutdown. Flights across New York City and the wider region have been disrupted.
Appearing on “The Arena,” Jeffries was pressed on the mounting concerns over the shortage of air traffic controllers and potential safety risks in his home state. The Democratic leader quickly pivoted the discussion to the President.
“Well, I’m very concerned with all of the harmful effects of the shutdown, the fact that our air traffic controllers, many hard workers and federal employees, TSA agents are being asked to work without pay,” Jeffries stated. “This is the reason why Donald Trump needs to get serious about sitting down and finding a path toward a bipartisan agreement.”
Jeffries went on to label the budget dispute the “Trump Republican shutdown,” criticizing the President’s engagement in the process.
The situation at JFK is not isolated. Flights were also disrupted across the country, with Newark Liberty International Airport issuing a 75-minute ground stop earlier in the week due to staffing issues linked to the shutdown.
The federal shutdown has resulted in approximately 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers missing their first full paychecks, further straining the already understaffed FAA.
The agency has struggled with controller shortages for decades, a problem exacerbated following the COVID-19 pandemic. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has stated the FAA is short 3,000 employees and that controllers are “wearing thin.”
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