This time of year, golf enthusiasts are drawn to Tampa Bay. On Wednesday, numerous travelers from the northern states made their way to Tampa International Airport to indulge in the sport. Among them was Johnny Mondoro, who came all the way from New Jersey.
“The flight was fantastic,” Mondoro said.
Mondoro and his friends began their journey on the first day of the government shutdown. They plan to stay for a few days, yet Mondoro remains unconcerned about potential travel disruptions.
“I expect everything to go fine. I expect my clubs to get home safe,” Mondoro said.
Heather Bixler flew in from Philadelphia.
“It was easy. It was easier than normal,” Bixler said.
She too plans to play golf with her family. She also didn’t experience any travel trouble and even complimented TSA agents.
“They were super helpful,” Bixler said.
USF Economics Professor Michael Snipes would like travelers to be aware that fewer workers may impact their journeys home.
“I believe the initial signs of disruption could be seen at airports as the TSA starts reducing its workforce,” Snipes commented.
So far, Tampa International Airport has not experienced any air travel issues related to the shutdown. The airport employs 1,100 federal workers, with 800 of them being from the TSA.
Throughout the nation, over 60,000 TSA agents are expected to continue working during the shutdown. However, the agency, along with the Department of Homeland Security, anticipates a rise in absenteeism if the shutdown persists.
More than 13,000 air traffic controllers were told to be at work, but the FAA announced furloughs for 11,000 other staff.
No paychecks will be given out until congress comes to an agreement about funding.
Representative Kathy Castor, a Democrat from Tampa, is advocating for the extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies, which are nearing expiration. She is also calling for the reinstatement of Medicaid cuts made in the “One, Big Beautiful Bill.” Castor and fellow Democrats are urging for legislative action and have doubts about its feasibility in the near future.
“The Republicans decided it was more important to provide tax breaks for billionaires rather than affordable coverage for families,” Castor said.
Rep Gus Bilirakis, a Republican out of New Port Richey, is willing to discuss and negotiate with Democrats. However, he would like Democrats to approve a short-term spending plan first to re-open the government.
“Let’s not have a shutdown. Let’s negotiate and talk about some of these issues. I’m willing to,” Bilirakis said.
While at Jacksonville’s airport on Wednesday, Gov. Ron DeSantis was asked about the impact of the shutdown.
“This will be resolved at some point, I mean, you know, it’s kind of just the typical D.C. theater. You know, our Congress has got a lot of issues,” DeSantis said.
