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Thanksgiving Travel: The Looming Crisis

Ah, Thanksgiving. A time for turkey, cranberry sauce, and… travel chaos? If lawmakers don’t get their act together, that’s exactly what we’re looking at. The U.S. Travel Association is ringing the alarm bells, hoping someone on Capitol Hill is listening. Travel companies are fed up, and who can blame them?

A Devastating Financial Blow

Since the government shutdown on October 1, the U.S. travel economy has bled $4 billion. Let that sink in for a moment. And if the shutdown keeps dragging on, we’re talking billions more going down the drain over Thanksgiving. Those days just before or after the turkey fest? Absolute nightmares for airports. The busiest travel days of the year might turn into a circus due to government inaction.

It’s Not Just About the Delays

Picture this: air traffic controllers working without pay, understaffed airports, and frustrated travelers. Not pretty. Disruptions and delays are already on the rise and it’s only expected to worsen. Some air traffic controllers are even missing shifts to find paying gigs, warned Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.

Political Standoff: The Core Issue

So what’s the hullabaloo about? Democrats and Republicans are locking horns over the Affordable Care Act subsidies. This impasse is pushing everything to the brink. Without subsidies, those insurance premiums are bound to skyrocket.

Leadership Urgently Needed

The U.S. Travel Association’s letter, backed by over 500 companies, calls for decisive action. They’re pleading for Congress to “demonstrate leadership and prevent a Thanksgiving travel crisis.” No one wants delayed flights or disrupted family gatherings. Even Vice President JD Vance thinks Thanksgiving travel “could be a disaster.” Missed paychecks are the last straw for many workers.

A Call to Action

Can Congress resolve this mess before we haul our suitcases through airport security? Your guess is as good as mine. But one thing’s for sure: travel companies are making it clear—act now or face the chaos.

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