The US government shutdown is causing increasing social disruption in the United States, as the impasse between Republicans and Democrats over a government budget has lasted nearly a month. Authorities also predict growing problems in the aviation industry.

US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned on Fox News on Sunday that travelers will face more flight delays and cancellations in the coming weeks. The shutdown is exacerbating staff shortages among air traffic controllers. Over the weekend, there were already hours-long delays due to staffing issues caused by furloughed air traffic controllers.

The shutdown has forced many civil servants to stay home because the government cannot pay their salaries. The approximately 13,000 air traffic controllers in the country are required to continue working, although they are currently not being paid. But Duffy is seeing more employees calling in sick and not showing up, with some looking for second jobs and other sources of income to make ends meet.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture also announced that it will no longer provide support through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNA) starting November 1st. This program covers food stamps for low-income Americans.

Meanwhile, there is no end in sight for the shutdown. Democrats say they are waiting for Republicans to negotiate with them about subsidies for the Affordable Care Act, known as Obamacare. However, Republicans say they will only discuss subsidies after Democrats have voted to reopen the government.

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* Origin: AVIATION ECHO HQ (2:292/854)