White House Warns of Massive Travel Delays if Government Shuts Down

President Joe Biden's administration on Wednesday warned of the possibility of significant travel delays should Congress fail to pass spending measures to fund the government by the Sept. 30 deadline.

"Extreme House Republicans are playing partisan games with peoples’ lives and marching our country toward a government shutdown that would have damaging impacts across the country — including risking significant delays for travelers and forcing air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Officers to work without pay," a White House press release reads.

During the last government shutdown in 2019, travelers across the country experienced significant wait times and delays as TSA officers and air traffic controllers were forced to work without pay. By also pausing air traffic control training, the White House said a government shutdown could also cause long-term disruptions to the travel industry.

The press release echoes warnings Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg made earlier this week.

House lawmakers have appeared unable to negotiate funding measures for several weeks, while the Senate released a short-term stopgap measure that would temporarily fund the government late last night.