As the government shutdown continues, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced in a recent Fox Business interview that air traffic controllers who don’t come into work regularly will be fired.

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From The Epoch Times:

“We need more controllers, but we need the best and the brightest, the dedicated controllers. And if we have some on our staff that aren’t dedicated like we need, we’re going to let them go. I can’t have people not showing up for work,” Duffy said, referring to such controllers as “problem children.”

Duffy said he has seen a noticeable rise in air traffic controllers calling in sick amid the ongoing shutdown.

“I want to be clear, 90-95 percent of them are amazing, beautiful, wonderful American patriots that show up to work every day. Even though they may not get that paycheck on time, they show up. It’s a small fraction of people who don’t come to work that can create this massive disruption. And that’s what you’re seeing rippling through our skies today.”

Secretary Duffy noted that, in the past, 5% of flight delays were caused by air traffic controller shortages. Now, that number has jumped to 53%, highlighting the need for these controllers to come into work. According to the Times, many are already working overtime to cover for existing shortages.

The Times notes that around 13,000 air traffic controllers were not furloughed during these shutdown. However, if the shutdown continues, these controllers will miss their next paycheck due on October 14.

On October 7, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson reportedly expressed interest in passing legislation to ensure air traffic controllers are paid during shutdowns. For now, however, these employees will not be paid, although Secretary Duffy has promised that those who come into work will “get paid once the government opens back up.”

As the government shutdown continues, let’s pray for a swift resolution that helps American families and brings glory to God!

How are you praying for our nation’s air traffic controllers during the shutdown? Share your prayers and scriptures below.

(Excerpt from The Epoch Times. Photo Credit: NASA/Joel Kowsky)