Health, flight services hit as U.S. government shutdown drags on

The ongoing U.S. federal government shutdown, which began on October 1, is now impacting critical services. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed the layoff of approximately 130 core staff from its infectious disease team, coinciding with the U.S. facing rising cases of measles, flu deaths, and whooping cough. Separately, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported staffing shortages at air traffic control centers in New York, Atlanta, and Albuquerque, leading to potential flight delays or required speed reductions. Essential employees, including air traffic controllers and TSA officers, are currently working without pay. In response, President Donald Trump issued an order on Saturday directing the Defense Secretary to pay the military on October 15 using “available funds.” Meanwhile, the administration is reportedly planning large-scale federal layoffs at multiple departments, a move the American Federation of Government Employees called “disgraceful” and a deviation from traditional shutdown practices. The congressional deadlock remains unresolved, with both Democratic and Republican temporary funding proposals failing to pass the Senate.

Credit : CGTN