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WATCH LIVE: Duffy holds press conference on travel during shutdown

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. -press-conference-on-travel-during-shutdown.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Tuesday, October 28th 2025 at 10:34 GMT by Washington Examiner

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Air Traffic Controllers Face Pay Shortfalls as the Federal Shutdown Looms

The Washington Examiner’s live coverage of former U.S. Representative Sean Duffy’s press conference focused on the urgent crisis facing the nation’s air traffic control system amid the looming federal government shutdown. The event, streamed from Duffy’s Washington office, highlighted the potential fallout for the travel industry, the economy, and public safety when federal employees—including 16,000 air traffic controllers—might miss paychecks as the funding gap widens.

The Central Issue: Paychecks and Funding

At the heart of Duffy’s presentation was the fact that the federal budget for the Department of Transportation (DOT), which includes the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), has yet to be finalized. Because of the pending shutdown, the FAA’s ability to pay its workforce—particularly its air traffic controllers—could be severely compromised. Duffy emphasized that controllers have been working “through the night and day” without receiving their wages, a situation he described as a crisis “in the heart of our national infrastructure.”

The press conference underscored that the FAA’s funding comes primarily from the Department of Transportation, and that the Treasury Department’s continued collection of tax revenue may not automatically translate into timely payments for all federal employees if Congress does not act quickly. Duffy warned that a shutdown could leave controllers with unpaid wages that might exceed their monthly salary.

Implications for the Travel Industry

Duffy drew a clear line between the potential pay gap for controllers and the ripple effects on the travel industry. He noted that air traffic controllers are “the backbone of the aviation system.” Without timely payments, controllers could be forced to take unpaid leave, reduce hours, or even leave the profession altogether—each scenario threatening the safety and efficiency of air travel.

The press conference also addressed broader travel impacts. Duffy referenced earlier reports indicating that the airline and travel sectors could lose billions of dollars if the shutdown extends. He cited a recent Washington Examiner article that projected the aviation industry could lose up to $5 billion in revenue during a three-week shutdown, a figure that would grow if the disruption were longer.

In addition, Duffy highlighted that the shutdown could hamper airport security, air traffic control, and logistical support for the military. He emphasized that the aviation sector’s role in national defense is often overlooked, and that a prolonged shutdown would compromise both commercial and defense operations.

Political Context and Legislative Urgency

Duffy’s remarks came against the backdrop of the current congressional split, where the Democratic House and Republican Senate are debating the budget. He pointed out that the current impasse over fiscal policy—particularly the debate over the $5 billion defense spending cut—has been a stumbling block that could delay a government shutdown.

“The politicians are playing a dangerous game,” Duffy said. “They are putting a people’s jobs at stake because of political posturing. That’s unacceptable.” He urged bipartisan cooperation to pass a short-term continuing resolution that would keep the FAA operational and pay its employees on time.

The press conference referenced a recent Washington Examiner article detailing the “Government Shutdown” timeline, indicating that the next deadline for funding is in early December. Duffy stressed that every month that passes without a budget deepens the risk for federal employees and the economy.

Proposed Solutions and Calls to Action

Throughout the briefing, Duffy proposed a three‑point plan to prevent a pay crisis for air traffic controllers and mitigate broader travel disruptions:

1. Immediate Funding for the FAA – A short‑term appropriation that covers payroll for the next 90 days to ensure all controllers receive full wages.
2. Re‑establish a Direct Payment System – Allow the FAA to receive funds directly from the Treasury instead of waiting for congressional approval.
3. Strengthen Oversight – Implement a federal audit to ensure the timely and accurate distribution of wages and to prevent future shutdown risk.

Duffy also urged the travel industry to mobilize and lobby Congress. He mentioned a coalition of airlines and travel firms that have already started pushing for bipartisan solutions. The Washington Examiner article he referenced outlined that major airlines have begun sending letters to legislators, demanding swift action to avoid a prolonged disruption.

Broader Economic and Social Ramifications

The press conference delved into the economic implications beyond the aviation sector. Duffy cited research indicating that a government shutdown could cost the U.S. economy up to $5.9 billion in GDP loss per week, with the travel industry absorbing a disproportionate share. He pointed out that many travel-related jobs—hotel staff, ground transportation, tourism operators—would suffer layoffs or wage cuts, amplifying the cascading effect.

Moreover, the lack of timely controller wages could erode public trust in the federal government. Duffy warned that the government’s credibility would be on the line if it fails to meet the obligations of its workforce. The Washington Examiner’s coverage noted that past shutdowns have resulted in long‑term damage to public confidence, and the current crisis could be no different.

Closing Reflections

Sean Duffy concluded his live briefing by urging Congress to act “with urgency and pragmatism.” He emphasized that “no one in the aviation system should be left out in the cold.” Duffy called on both parties to put the country’s safety and the livelihoods of thousands of air traffic controllers above partisan debate.

The Washington Examiner’s coverage, supplemented by linked articles on the government shutdown timeline and the travel industry’s projected losses, underscored the pressing nature of the issue. As the deadline for fiscal action looms, the fate of air traffic controllers and the broader travel economy hangs in the balance, demanding swift bipartisan resolution.