The United States government shutdown reached its 35th day on Tuesday, tying a record previously set during former President Donald Trump’s first term in office. The ongoing impasse has prompted warnings from the administration about potential disruptions at airports during one of the year’s busiest travel periods.
White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt highlighted growing concerns from the travel industry, stating that nearly 500 companies and organizations in the travel sector have signed a public letter addressing the shutdown’s impact.
“The travel industry is also IMPLORING Democrats to end the shutdown and reopen the government,” Leavitt told reporters, emphasizing the economic consequences already being felt across the country.
Economic Impact on Travel Industry
According to the White House, the travel sector has been particularly hard hit by the government closure. The administration claims the shutdown has already resulted in substantial financial losses for businesses dependent on tourism and travel.
“America’s travel economy has already lost $4 BILLION due to this Democrat shutdown,” Leavitt stated, referencing figures cited in the industry’s public letter.
The coalition of concerned businesses includes a diverse range of travel-related enterprises:
- Casino operators
- Hotel chains
- Convention bureaus
- Other travel-related businesses
Airport Operations Under Threat
The administration has warned that as the shutdown continues, travelers may face increasing disruptions at airports nationwide. This timing is particularly concerning as the country approaches a major travel period, potentially affecting thousands of passengers.
Transportation security and air traffic control operations, which rely on federal employees, have been functioning with staff working without pay since the shutdown began. Many of these workers have been deemed essential and required to remain on duty despite not receiving paychecks.
“The travel industry is also IMPLORING Democrats to end the shutdown and reopen the government,” – White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt
Political Standoff Continues
The current shutdown has now matched the previous record for the longest government closure in U.S. history, which also occurred during the Trump administration. The White House has consistently placed responsibility for the shutdown on congressional Democrats.
Leavitt’s statements reflect the administration’s position that Democrats should take action to end the impasse and reopen government agencies. However, the opposition has maintained that the shutdown stems from disagreements over key policy issues between the parties.
As negotiations continue without clear progress, federal workers across multiple agencies remain furloughed or working without compensation. Essential services continue to operate at minimum capacity while non-essential functions remain suspended.
The economic consequences extend beyond the travel industry, affecting government contractors, small businesses dependent on federal workers, and communities with high concentrations of federal employees. Economists have begun to express concern about the shutdown’s potential long-term effects on economic growth if a resolution is not reached soon.
With no immediate end in sight, both travelers and industry professionals are preparing for continued disruption as the political standoff in Washington shows little sign of resolution.
