Trucking Unshaken as Government Shutdown 2025 Hits FAA

3 months ago
2Minutes

WASHINGTON — The ongoing government shutdown has created two very different stories in America’s transportation system. On the roads, trucking and highway projects are running as if nothing happened. In the skies, thousands of aviation workers are sidelined, raising concerns about long-term delays.

According to a Sept. 30 update from the Department of Transportation, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) will keep operating normally. Both agencies pull money from the Highway Trust Fund, which is supported by federal fuel taxes. Because of this separate funding stream, more than 3,300 employees across FMCSA and FHWA will stay on the job during the shutdown.

Aviation is facing a much harsher reality. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced it will furlough over 11,000 workers. Other offices at the DOT are also cutting staff, including the Railroad Administration, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, the Maritime Administration, and the Inspector General’s office. Still, critical positions like air traffic controllers and TSA officers are reporting to work, though many won’t see a paycheck until the shutdown ends.

The shutdown began October 1, after Congress and the White House failed to pass a budget for fiscal year 2026. The fight has centered on health care funding and immigration policy. As of Oct. 2, the Senate had not acted on a short-term bill from the House that would have kept the government running until mid-November.

On Capitol Hill, blame is flying in both directions. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) accused Democrats of fueling the shutdown for political reasons, while Rep. Sam Graves (R-Mo.) warned that stalled budgets will delay infrastructure work and force essential workers to labor without pay.

Democratic leaders Sen. Chuck Schumer and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries responded by charging Republicans with blocking protections for health care. They said Democrats are open to talks but need serious partners.

At the White House, Vice President J.D. Vance said layoffs across federal agencies are possible if the stalemate continues. Later, the administration issued a statement blaming Democrats for refusing to compromise.

Meanwhile, business leaders are voicing alarm. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce said shutdowns weaken the economy and security, and the National Retail Federation warned the timing could hurt holiday sales by rattling consumer confidence.