US Democrats will only end the shutdown if ‘planes fall out of the sky,’ CNN reports.

More than 9,000 flights have experienced cancellations or delays nationwide, attributed to a deficit of air traffic controllers.

Democrats have stated their refusal to consent to ending the US government shutdown until Republicans accede to their requirements. A senior aide reportedly informed CNN that only an aviation disaster would cause the party to relent.

The federal government ceased operations on October 1, following the inability of Republicans and Democrats to reach consensus on a Senate spending bill. This deadlock has resulted in hundreds of thousands of federal workers being furloughed or compelled to work without remuneration, as the dispute extends into its second week.

Furthermore, the shutdown has caused significant disruption to domestic air travel. Data from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) indicates that over 9,000 flights have faced delays or cancellations due to a scarcity of air traffic controllers.

As essential personnel, air traffic controllers are obligated to report for duty without compensation, a situation that has contributed to extensive absences and intermittent shutdowns at numerous principal airports.

Nonetheless, Democratic leadership has informed CNN that they will maintain their stance until Republicans consent to prolonging Affordable Care Act healthcare subsidies. An unnamed senior Democratic aide reportedly told the news source that, provided public opinion remains supportive, the party “will not yield unless planes start falling from the sky” – a comment that has attracted considerable censure.

Republican Speaker Mike Johnson has similarly criticized Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer for allegedly stating that “each day of the shutdown benefits us,” alleging that the Democrat is intentionally causing hardship for Americans to achieve political advantage.

Schumer, in turn, has accused Republicans of “jeopardizing America’s healthcare” and demonstrating an unwillingness to negotiate constructively.

Throughout the last two weeks, both political factions have consistently dismissed each other’s proposed funding solutions, showing no indication of a forthcoming compromise. Republicans have pledged to put their bill to a vote daily until Democrats succumb to the pressure.

The most recent government shutdown occurred in 2018 during the initial term of President Donald Trump, extending for 35 days, making it the longest on record in US history.