FAA to cut flights by 10% at 40 major airports due to government shutdown

Political blame, mandate, and partisanship

• Commenters disagree sharply on who is responsible: the administration, Senate rules, House/Senate leadership, or both parties using the shutdown as leverage.
• Some argue Republicans could eliminate the 60‑vote filibuster and “just govern,” so claims they “need 60 votes” are seen as political choice, not legal constraint.
• Others blame Democrats for insisting on extending ACA subsidies as a condition to reopen, debating whether that is “extremism” or basic protection for millions’ healthcare.
• There’s a side debate over democratic legitimacy: does a plurality in a low‑turnout election equal a mandate? Some argue nonvoters implicitly accept the winner; others reject that as baseless.

Shutdown mechanics and comparisons

• Several posts explain that shutdowns stem from annual appropriations expiring; without new laws or a Continuing Resolution, agencies legally lose spending authority (post‑1980 Anti‑Deficiency Act enforcement).
• Some suggest automatic roll‑over of prior budgets or moving “essential services” like ATC into a separate, always‑funded track.
• Comparisons with Europe (Belgium, Westminster “loss of supply”) note that foreign “no government” situations usually don’t halt basic administration.

Air traffic cuts, safety, and operations

• The 10% capacity cut at 40 major airports is viewed as primarily a safety decision amid unpaid ATC and TSA staff. TSA delays of up to several hours are reported.
• One commenter lists the affected airports (essentially all major hubs). Others note that even non‑listed airports will be indirectly impacted via network effects.
• An airline operations perspective says carriers will likely pre‑trim schedules and “NOOP” flights, which eases logistics and maintenance but burns money and parking space.
• There’s concern that once back pay arrives, many ATC/TSA staff may quit after being forced to work without pay. Legal guarantees of back pay are cited but enforcement is doubted.

Class, inequality, and alternatives to flying

• Multiple comments stress that wealthy political and business elites, who use private jets, are insulated from commercial chaos.
• Proposals include grounding private and corporate flights during shutdowns.
• Some travelers are switching to rail, but detailed anecdotes show Amtrak can be slow, inconvenient, and fragile compared to rail and airports in Japan/Taiwan.

Accountability and structural reform

• Suggested fixes include: cutting or fining congressional and presidential pay during shutdowns, automatic snap elections if they last long enough, and funding agreed‑upon items separately.
• Critics argue such penalties would advantage wealthy politicians and encourage “war of attrition” politics rather than compromise.