The US government shutdown has dragged into its third week, leaving millions of Americans—and key services—on edge. As of October 21, the total federal debt eclipsed $38 trillion, according to the US Department of the Treasury, marking an unprecedented financial milestone even as hundreds of thousands of public servants remain unpaid.
Aviation safety is one of the hardest-hit sectors. Reuters estimates that some 60,000 air traffic controllers, maintenance technicians, and other frontline staff have gone without pay, relying on savings, credit cards, or gig work like Uber and DoorDash just to make ends meet. "I've had to pick up extra shifts driving ride-share," says one controller, reflecting a growing trend among essential workers scrambling for cash.
Unions and airport authorities are stepping in to fill the gap. Food donation drives, boxed lunches, and emergency grants have begun circulating in major hubs like Atlanta, Chicago, and Los Angeles. But these stopgaps recall the 2019 shutdown, when similar strains led to soaring absenteeism and flight disruptions that ramped up pressure on lawmakers to reopen the government.
Economic experts warn the ripple effects could spread far beyond federal workers. Reduced air traffic staffing can trigger delays for travelers, heighten stress for airlines, and even influence global supply chains—critical concerns for business and tech sectors tracking efficiency across G20 markets. For a younger, globally minded audience, the shutdown underscores how political stalemates can quickly morph into real-world headaches for communities and economies worldwide.
With no clear end in sight, the key question becomes: How long can critical services hold up under mounting strain, and what price will everyday Americans pay if lawmakers fail to act? The urgency is clear, and as the tally rises above $38 trillion, the stakes could not be higher.
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US government shutdown enters third week, impacting millions
cgtn.com
