Washington, D.C. – Political uncertainty in the U.S.
Congress could have direct consequences for one of the country's most sensitive
sectors: air transportation. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that if
the budget impasse, driven by Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer's leadership,
continues, the country could face a partial or total shutdown of its airspace
within days.
"If this goes on for another week, the Democrats will
see total chaos. We may have to close certain areas of airspace because we
simply won't be able to manage it," Duffy stated at a press conference
held this Tuesday.
The secretary explained that the lack of operational
resources would directly affect air traffic controllers, security inspectors,
and technical personnel, whose work is essential to maintaining the daily
operation of airports and air routes. A temporary suspension of these services,
he warned, would jeopardize not only national mobility but also the economy and
the safety of millions of passengers.
A government shutdown—the closure of the federal government
when Congress fails to pass the budget—is once again looming over Washington
due to disagreements between Democrats and Republicans over public spending. This
time, negotiations led by Schumer in the Senate and the Speaker of the House
have failed to resolve the most critical points of the fiscal agreement.
Analysts warn that a prolonged shutdown could partially
paralyze public services and cause significant delays at airports, recalling
the disruptions experienced during previous shutdowns when thousands of flights
were canceled or rescheduled.
Meanwhile, the Department of Transportation urged Congress
to reach an “urgent and responsible” consensus to avoid what Duffy described as
“an avoidable but imminent crisis” in the U.S. aviation system.