WASHINGTON -- The Federal Aviation Administration said Wednesday it would reduce air traffic by 10% across 40 "high-volume" markets beginning early Friday to maintain safety during the ongoing government shutdown.

The reduction stands to affect thousands of flights nationwide because the FAA directs more than 44,000 flights daily, including commercial passenger flights, cargo planes and private aircraft.

Also Wednesday, President Donald Trump lashed out at Senate Republicans to end the government shutdown, now the longest ever at 36 days, blaming the impasse for the party's defeat in closely-watched elections while Democrats, emboldened by their off-year victories, dug in for a fight.

Air traffic controllers have been working unpaid since the shutdown began Oct. 1. With some calling out

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