(NewsNation) — U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is scheduled to host a news conference Friday to address growing concerns about potential flight delays and cancellations resulting from the government shutdown.
The news conference will take place at the Philadelphia International Airport. Earlier this week, Duffy warned of disruptions, noting that the federal safety system depends on air traffic controllers working without pay because they are considered essential workers.
US expands facial recognition at border, airports
“I can’t guarantee you that your flight’s going to be on time. I can’t guarantee that your flight’s not going to be canceled. It’s going to depend on our air traffic controllers coming in to work every single day,” Duffy said in a news conference with House Republican leaders on Thursday.
This shutdown comes at a time when there is a shortage of about 3,000 air traffic controllers, and shortages at the Federal Aviation Administration and the TSA. Until Congress votes to end the shutdown, some 13,000 air traffic controllers and more than 61,000 TSA workers will have to work without pay.
