Duffy On Potential Shutdown-Related Air Traffic Control Staffing Shortages: ‘Not Going To Let Planes Fly Unless I Know It’s Safe’

U.S. Secretary of Transportation and interim NASA Administrator Sean Duffy joins Fox Across America With Jimmy Failla to shed light on how the prolonged government shutdown is impacting travel throughout the country.

“The last paycheck for air traffic controllers, which was a week ago yesterday, they got 90% of their checks because the pay period closed right after the shutdown. So they got most of their paycheck because that came from September. Well, next Tuesday is when their paychecks should come in, they get no money. And that’s the pressure they’re feeling because. again, if you got to pay your mortgage, if you have to pay a car payment, if you’re buying groceries to feed your kids, they have to figure out solutions on how do I make some extra money to make ends meet until the government opens and Democrats decide to put Americans, like air traffic controllers, ahead of illegal migrants who want free health care. So again, I’ve told air traffic controller, I expect them to show up. I expect them to work. But if past shutdowns are any indication, air traffic controllers and the stress and pressure of the job, you might see more of them walk off from towers and you’ll see more delays and more cancelations. Because by the way, I want to be clear. If it’s not safe in the airspace, We will delay flights. We will cancel flights. The priority is safety. Again, I want you to get to where you want to go on time. I want your planes to fly, but I’m not going to let them fly unless I know it’s safe for you to do that.”

Sean Duffy: If We Went To The Moon, We Can Fix Air Traffic Control

Check out the podcast to hear what else they discussed!