The ongoing government shutdown, now on track to become the longest funding lapse in U.S. history, is creating a ripple effect of staffing shortages across various agencies. While the Social Security Administration (SSA) is managing employee absences and limiting office hours, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and air traffic controllers at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are also feeling the strain.
The Social Security Administration's Struggle:
The SSA is keeping a close eye on employee absences and adjusting office hours accordingly. Many SSA employees are considered 'excepted' and continue working without pay during the shutdown. A field office in Port Angeles, Washington, closed on Wednesday due to staffing shortages, and another in Juneau, Alaska, delayed opening until 2 pm on Thursday. However, these closures are not permanent, and the SSA website lists other field offices in 12 states as open for in-person services on Tuesday.
An SSA employee, speaking on condition of anonymity, shared that their office fills out a spreadsheet daily to track absences. The absence rate peaked at over 20% last Friday, but the average rate remains around 15% for most workdays. The SSA website notice clarifies that local offices will have reduced in-person services during the shutdown.
Airports in Chaos: Staffing Shortages and Flight Disruptions:
Airports across the U.S. are experiencing significant disruptions due to staffing shortages. Employees at the TSA and air traffic controllers at the FAA are working without pay and facing increased absences. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned of potential 'mass chaos' if air traffic controllers miss a second full paycheck, which could happen next week. This scenario could lead to widespread flight delays and cancellations, as well as the closure of certain airspace segments.
The impact of the shutdown on staffing extends beyond the FAA. Secretary Duffy highlighted the challenges faced by air traffic controllers, who are taking on additional jobs to make ends meet. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association reported that controllers are working 10-hour shifts six days a week while taking on second jobs like driving for Uber or delivering for DoorDash.
Uncertainty Over Back Pay for Federal Employees:
The shutdown's impact on federal employees' pay is a point of contention. President Donald Trump signed the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act in 2019, guaranteeing back pay for affected employees. However, a recent Office of Management and Budget (OMB) memo suggests that lawmakers might need to include specific language in a stopgap spending bill or comprehensive spending deal for fiscal 2026 to ensure furloughed employees receive back pay.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt expressed openness to discussing back pay with congressional Democrats, but she declined to comment on the sensitive negotiations. The uncertainty surrounding back pay has led to confusion among federal employees, with some agencies sending notices that do not explicitly mention back pay, while others provide more assurance.
The Way Forward:
The Senate has failed to pass a continuing resolution to fund the federal government for the 14th time, and the current shutdown is on track to surpass the previous record. The House Speaker, Mike Johnson, has urged the Senate to vote on a new continuing resolution with an extended deadline, aiming to avoid the risks associated with Christmas omnibus spending bills. The timeline for a new resolution remains unclear, but Johnson has made it a priority to address the staffing shortages and ensure the government's smooth operation.
