Gov’t Shutdown Continues; Air Traffic Control Worsens

October 27, 2025

As the U.S. government shutdown passed its 4th week, we’re taking a look at the ongoing repercussions.

Americans are feeling the disruptions in their day-to-day lives as the federal government shutdown drags on. However, the effects have been selective.

Federal immigration agents, U.S. Border Patrol officers, FBI special agents and active-duty military personnel will continue receiving paychecks during the shutdown, even as hundreds of thousands of civilian federal workers are furloughed or are working without pay.

Here’s a look at the situation as of Oct. 27:

Weekend air traffic control staffing shortages intensified, fueling fears of increased disruptions. With over 50 staffing gaps reported since Friday, Oct. 24, flights were delayed at Reagan National and halted at LAX, grounding flights from Oakland and delaying travelers across the Bay Area.
Controllers must work without pay as essential employees, and experts warn problems will persist until paychecks resume. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned Sunday that unpaid controllers are “wearing thin.”
The Oct. 1 shutdown threatens to disrupt food assistance for tens of millions starting next month.
Enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies expire Dec. 31, 2025. Without Congressional extension, 2026 Marketplace insurance premiums will rise substantially for many Americans.
The Food and Drug Administration has had to suspend most routine surveillance and manufacturing inspections unless related to imminent health risks or funded by carryover fees. This includes routine inspections for drinking water and workplaces.
Transportation construction work across the nation could be put on hold, including projects to repair subway tracks and rehabilitate roadways.
Some National Parks remain open but with limited accessibility and operations, given that about 9,000 park employees are furloughed.
Most non-essential federal research, including at the Department of Agriculture, has been paused, disrupting projects for animal, crop and food safety.