Government Shutdown Disrupts Aid Programs, Air Travel as Impasse Deepens
WASHINGTON – A deepening political stalemate in Congress has triggered widespread disruptions across the United States, impacting vital assistance programs and air travel as the government shutdown enters a critical phase. The failure of Republicans and democrats to agree on a new transitional budget is now directly affecting millions of Americans, raising concerns about the escalating consequences of the impasse.
The shutdown’s impact is especially acute for approximately 42 million Americans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance program (Snap) for food assistance. A Supreme Court decision has temporarily halted payments, leaving individuals and families with limited or no income unable to purchase essential groceries. Snap, which provides prepaid cards for food purchases, costs the government roughly $9 billion monthly – funds currently frozen by the budget deadlock. Benefits expired at the beginning of November, prompting a court order directing the government to fully fund November benefits until the end of Friday.The Justice Department later appealed that ruling to the Supreme Court.
Beyond food assistance, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is reducing air traffic at around 40 airports to alleviate strain on air traffic controllers. As of Friday, nearly 1,000 flights nationwide had been canceled, according to FlightAware data. while international flights are currently expected to remain largely unaffected, many of the cuts are impacting regional routes. The FAA initially plans to reduce flight movements by approximately four percent, with potential increases to ten percent by mid-month. Industry experts warn of more notable disruptions if the shutdown persists, particularly during the busy Thanksgiving travel period.
