(DCNF)—Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said Wednesday on CNN’s “The Lead” that host Jake Tapper should give Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s number to his daughter so she can ask him to “open up the government” to avoid potentially delayed flights from the ongoing shutdown.
On Sept. 30, the Senate voted on the GOP-led spending bill, with Schumer leading most Democrats in opposition, resulting in the government shutdown. With flights facing possible delays, Tapper mentioned his daughter is expected to fly home soon and asked Duffy how she and others could prepare.
“Well, I think the answer to that is give her Chuck Schumer’s number and say, ‘Chuck, when are you going to open up the government? When are you going to deliver the votes necessary to open up the government?’ As you know, every single Republican has voted to open up the government. It was the Democrats in the Senate who voted for a shutdown,” Duffy said. “And so how long does this last? I don’t know.”
“We’re not seeing consistency in facilities across the airspace. It’s a group of some today and a few others tomorrow. The delays might happen for whether it’s an hour or two hours and a staffing shortage. Then they come back online. So, again, there’s no rhyme or reason to what’s happening with these controllers,” Duffy added. “But the truth is, we need to open up the government again.”
Since the shutdown began, reports indicate flights across the U.S. are delayed due to airport staffing shortages. Accordingto NBC News, air traffic controllers started working without pay on Monday, leading to delays over the past 48 hours at airports in Las Vegas, Houston, and Denver.
Duffy also pointed to Schumer’s past opposition to government shutdowns, urging Democrats to “open up the government” so negotiations can continue.
“Don’t take America hostage,” Duffy said.
The vote on the spending bill failed 55-45, falling short of the 60 votes needed for passage. While three Democratic senators joined Republicans in supporting the measure, Democrats claimed they blocked it because the GOP refused to negotiate on concerns over Americans’ access to health care.
In contrast, Republicans accused Democrats of not only trying to provide healthcare to illegal immigrants but said Schumer is being led by the progressives in his party, including Democratic New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
Lawmakers previously avoided a government shutdown in March after Schumer and nine other Senate Democrats joined Republicans in approving a GOP-led spending bill.
The Senate minority leader quickly faced backlash from progressives in his party, including Ocasio-Cortez. She publicly slammed Schumer’s decision to side with Republicans, calling it “a tremendous mistake.” Soon after, speculation grew she may be eyeing Schumer’s Senate seat in the 2028 election.
Republicans will now need at least five Senate Democrats to join them in approving the measure to reopen the government.
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