In a dramatic twist that feels like a plot from your favorite streaming series 📺, the U.S. government shutdown entered its second week on Saturday, and it’s already leaving major gaps in two critical services: public health and air travel.
CDC Layoffs Amid Health Crisis 🦠
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed the layoff of roughly 130 core staff from its infectious disease team, even as the country fights a measles outbreak at its worst level since 1992, a deadly flu season and whooping cough cases near historic highs. Experts warn this staffing cut could slow down vital disease tracking and response efforts.
FAA Staffing Shortages Ground Flights 🛫
At three major air traffic control centers—New York, Atlanta and Albuquerque—controllers have been pulling extra shifts without pay, but it’s still not enough. On Saturday, New York warned of issues at 2 p.m., Atlanta ran short from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m., and Albuquerque faced gaps from 6 p.m. until 1 a.m. the next day. Airlines are rerouting flights or cutting speeds to stay safe, leading to delays for travelers nationwide.
Trump Orders Military Pay 💸
President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that he’s directed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to "use all available funds" to pay troops on October 15, despite the ongoing shutdown. "We have identified funds to do this, and Secretary Hegseth will use them to pay our troops," Trump wrote, giving a sigh of relief to service members working without pay.
Fed Layoffs & Political Deadlock ⚠️
The shutdown has also prompted waves of layoffs at the departments of Homeland Security, Health and Human Services, and the Treasury. The American Federation of Government Employees called it "disgraceful" that workers who keep communities safe are being fired mid-shutdown. Meanwhile, Congress remains stalled: the Senate failed to pass either side’s funding proposal, leaving hundreds of thousands of federal employees in limbo.
With essential workers clocking in without checks and critical services stretched thin, the clock is ticking for lawmakers to break the deadlock and reopen the government. ⏳
Reference(s):
Health, flight services hit as U.S. government shutdown drags on
cgtn.com
