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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.

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