MSGID: 2:292/854 16214156   
   TZUTC: 0200                     
   The US government shutdown is causing increasing social disruption in the   
   United States, as the impasse between Republicans and Democrats over a   
   government budget has lasted nearly a month. Authorities also predict growing   
   problems in the aviation industry.   
       
   US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned on Fox News on Sunday that   
   travelers will face more flight delays and cancellations in the coming weeks.   
   The shutdown is exacerbating staff shortages among air traffic controllers.   
   Over the weekend, there were already hours-long delays due to staffing issues   
   caused by furloughed air traffic controllers.   
       
   The shutdown has forced many civil servants to stay home because the   
   government cannot pay their salaries. The approximately 13,000 air traffic   
   controllers in the country are required to continue working, although they are   
   currently not being paid. But Duffy is seeing more employees calling in sick   
   and not showing up, with some looking for second jobs and other sources of   
   income to make ends meet.   
       
   The U.S. Department of Agriculture also announced that it will no longer   
   provide support through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNA)   
   starting November 1st. This program covers food stamps for low-income   
   Americans.   
       
   Meanwhile, there is no end in sight for the shutdown. Democrats say they are   
   waiting for Republicans to negotiate with them about subsidies for the   
   Affordable Care Act, known as Obamacare. However, Republicans say they will   
   only discuss subsidies after Democrats have voted to reopen the government.   
      
   --- DB4 - 20230201   
    * Origin: AVIATION ECHO HQ (2:292/854)   
   SEEN-BY: 80/1 105/81 106/201 128/187 129/14 305 153/7715 154/110 218/700   
   SEEN-BY: 221/1 226/30 227/114 229/110 317 400 426 428 470 664 700   
   SEEN-BY: 229/705 280/464 291/111 292/854 2226 8125 301/1 320/219 322/757   
   SEEN-BY: 335/364 342/200 396/45 460/58 633/280 712/848 902/26 5001/100   
   SEEN-BY: 5075/35   
   PATH: 292/854 229/426