“Well, does it become a flight emergency, a safety issue? No, we will stop traffic.”

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, addressing the impact of the federal government shutdown on the nation’s airports. Duffy said that the ongoing shortage of air traffic controllers has caused widespread flight delays and that, if safety is compromised, federal authorities would halt air travel altogether. As the shutdown enters its second month, thousands of aviation employees — including controllers — are working without pay, leading to staffing shortfalls, long security lines and growing delays at major airports. (The Atlanta Journal-Constitution)