Duffy Jokes About No-Fly List for Senate Democrats Amid Government Shutdown Chaos
By Jim Thomas | Friday, 07 November 2025 09:43 PM EST
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy mocked Senate Democrats on Friday for blocking efforts to reopen the federal government, suggesting they be added to a “no-fly list.” The remarks came as flight disruptions nationwide intensified due to the ongoing shutdown, with Duffy blaming Democratic obstruction.
Speaking at a Breitbart News-hosted event in Washington, D.C., Duffy urged senators to remain in the Capitol rather than return home, emphasizing that the crisis was harming federal workers and travelers. He criticized Democrats for refusing to advance a House-passed continuing resolution, which they argue lacks sufficient funding for domestic priorities.
Duffy cited his own experience during the 2018-19 shutdown, recalling how he and colleagues stayed in Washington for a month, enduring “the junkiest food” and strained family relationships. He highlighted airport staffing shortages causing flight cancellations and delays, noting that Americans faced “mass chaos” as a result.
When asked about the Senate’s refusal to act, Duffy called it “flat-out wrong” for lawmakers to leave during the crisis. He reiterated his demand that senators stay in Washington, particularly those opposing government reopenings. The exchange drew laughter from the audience but underscored escalating tensions within the administration over the shutdown’s impact.
Airlines reported reduced operations at 40 major airports Friday, including hubs in Atlanta, Chicago, and Dallas, as air traffic controllers and TSA personnel faced staffing shortages. Republicans have accused Democrats of using the shutdown to block Trump-era policies, while Democrats blame the White House for refusing to negotiate on non-budget issues.
Jim Thomas is a writer based in Indiana with a background in political science and law.
