Transportation Secretary’s Advice Amid Government Shutdown

During an appearance on CNN’s “The Lead” with Jake Tapper, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy suggested that his daughter should contact Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer directly regarding the ongoing government shutdown, which he claims is contributing to flight delays.

This situation arose after the Senate voted on a spending bill pushed by Republicans, with Schumer opposing it alongside most Democrats, leading to the current shutdown. Tapper raised concerns that his daughter had a flight scheduled soon, prompting him to ask what measures Duffy and others could take to ease the situation.

Duffy responded, “Well, I think the answer is to give her Chuck Schumer’s number and say, ‘Chuck, when are you going to open the government? When are you going to deliver the votes needed to open the government?’ All the Republicans voted to open the government. It’s the Senate Democrats who voted to shut it down.” He then expressed uncertainty about the duration of the shutdown, stating, “How long is this going to last? I don’t know.”

He also commented on the inconsistencies in air traffic control staffing, mentioning that delays could occur randomly: “Today it’s some groups, tomorrow it’s a few others. Delays can happen for an hour or two, whether they’re understaffed, and then they come back online.” Duffy reiterated, “But the truth is we need to open up the government again.”

As the shutdown continues, numerous reports highlight delays at airports across the U.S., attributed to staffing shortages affecting air traffic controllers who began working without pay. Areas such as Las Vegas, Houston, and Denver have recently faced significant disruptions.

Duffy pointed out that Schumer has historically opposed government shutdowns and urged Democrats to prioritize reopening the government to facilitate negotiations. “Don’t hold America hostage,” he insisted.

The spending bill in question was defeated with a 55-45 vote, falling short of the required 60 votes for approval. Although three Democratic senators supported the bill, Democrats contend that Republicans stymied progress by refusing to negotiate on healthcare issues.

In contrast, Republicans accuse Democrats of trying to extend healthcare access to illegal immigrants, with claims that Schumer is being influenced by more progressive voices in the party, such as Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

Lawmakers had previously avoided a government shutdown in March when Schumer and nine other Senate Democrats backed a Republican-led spending plan. Following that decision, Ocasio-Cortez criticized Schumer’s collaboration with Republicans, labeling it a “grave mistake.” Speculation arose that she may pursue Schumer’s Senate seat in the 2028 elections.

To reopen the government, Republicans would require support from at least five Senate Democrats.