The US federal government has now been partially shut down for nine days, as Republicans and Democrats fail to reach an agreement on the federal budget. This ongoing stalemate is causing disruptions across multiple government services and raising concerns about operational efficiency.
Among the most affected is the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), where rising sick leave and absenteeism among staff are causing potential delays in air travel. Authorities are prioritizing safety but warn that continued political gridlock may strain the nation’s air transport system further.
Officials stress that the shutdown could have broader impacts on public sector services, federal programs, and international operations, highlighting the urgent need for bipartisan negotiations to resume.
