The Senate-passed package to reopen the government is in the hands of House lawmakers for a scheduled Wednesday vote, but flight cancellations and delays could jar that timing.
The vote series is expected to start in the early evening, but the speaker’s office told The Washington Times that lawmakers might not make it back to Washington in time.
Rep. Andy Biggs, Arizona Republican, confirmed Tuesday on Fox News’ “Faulkner Focus” some of the GOP leadership’s fears.
“The key, of course … is everybody’s trying to get back, including myself,” Mr. Biggs said. “We’re going to vote tomorrow afternoon, probably between 4 and 5, on the first bill.”
He added, “There’ll be a piece of time for a little bit of debate, and then hopefully, if everything goes smoothly, by about 6:30-7:30 p.m. tomorrow night, the House will vote to open the government.”
President Trump will stand by to sign the funding bill as it gets transmitted to him after the House vote. He noted six to 10 Democrats might vote with Republicans to reopen the government.
As of Tuesday afternoon, almost 1,600 flights had been canceled for the day, according to FlightAware, with 11,530 delays.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy cautioned that the nationwide airport congestion won’t clear up easily.
“It’s going to be harder for me to come back after the shutdown and have more controllers controlling the airspace,” he said. “So, this is going to live on in air travel well beyond the time frame that this government opens back up.”
Mr. Trump said on social media Monday, “All Air Traffic Controllers must get back to work, NOW!!! Anyone who doesn’t will be substantially ‘docked.’ For those Air Traffic Controllers who were GREAT PATRIOTS, and didn’t take ANY TIME OFF for the ’Democrat Shutdown Hoax,’ I will be recommending a BONUS of $10,000 per person for distinguished service to our Country.
“For those that did nothing but complain, and took time off, even though everyone knew they would be paid, IN FULL, shortly into the future, I am NOT HAPPY WITH YOU. You didn’t step up to help the U.S.A. against the FAKE DEMOCRAT ATTACK that was only meant to hurt our Country.”
