(The Hill) - Alarm bells are going off for lawmakers after some of the nation's busiest airports experienced scores of delays over the weekend due to air traffic control staffing shortages as the government shutdown prepares to enter its fourth week.

Air-traffic controllers are among the federal workers deemed essential, forcing them to continue on the job while not receiving paychecks.

Lawmakers are closely watching the weekend’s woes and increasing possibility of “sick-outs” by controllers, well-aware that travel delays could be the issue that forces them to the negotiating table.

Passengers seek updates on their delayed flight at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, Aug. 6, 2025, in Kenner, La. (Jack Brooks, Associated Press)

“It most certainly will not get better with

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