The US government shutdown has reached its 41st day, causing widespread disruption, including chaos at airports. The situation has worsened as the longest government shutdown in history continues. President Trump has threatened to dock air traffic controllers' pay if they don't show up to work, posting 'get back to work, now!'. The Senate is expected to vote on a deal to end the shutdown, with 7 Democrats and 1 independent senator expected to vote along with the Democrats. The deal includes a reversal of all government employee layoffs and back pay for federal workers. However, the chaos at airports has only gotten worse, with thousands of flights cancelled or delayed. Air traffic controllers, who are federal employees, are either working without pay or furloughed entirely. Some have found second jobs or called in sick, leading to a shortage of air traffic controllers. The situation has caused widespread frustration among air travellers, with many expressing concern about their travel plans. The Thanksgiving holiday, the busiest travel season in the US, is approaching, and many travellers are worried about potential disruptions. The US transportation secretary, Sean Duffy, has warned that air travel will be reduced to a trickle in the weeks before Thanksgiving due to staffing shortages and the strain on the air traffic control system. The Federal Aviation Administration has begun reducing flight capacity at 40 of the country's busiest airports, causing lengthy flight delays and cancellations. The shutdown has also impacted federal workers, with around 1.4 million going without pay. The situation has led to a debate over the funding of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), with Republicans accused of weaponizing hunger and starvation. The end of the shutdown is in sight, but the deal is only temporary, with the government set to reopen for 80 days before another shutdown could be on the horizon.
