The Boeing 737 MAX 8 which carried an almost fatal accident on the Southwest Airlines Flight WN425, bound toward Columbus and Tampa, has caused a heavy squee back into the frightening debate surrounding aviation security and supervision in the United States.

The ongoing government shutdown continues to disrupt flights at times at Newark Liberty International Airport and put pressure on air traffic controllers who are working without pay.

With around 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 TSA agents working without pay, airports from Los Angeles to Chicago are beginning to feel pressure from staffing gaps.

A federal judge has temporarily blocked most layoffs. But federal employees who have already received RIF notices say they’re afraid of what happens next.

Fifteen days after the federal government shutdown began, Miami International Airport had so far escaped any impact, Aviation Director Ralph Cutié said last week while warning that during a longer shutdown impacts would surely come.

Federal workers are feeling the effects of the government shutdown, which is approaching its fourth week. Ahead of the shutdown, President Donald Trump warned of possible layoffs. Now, hundreds of employees have been furloughed or laid off as it continues.

By David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) -A U.S. Senate panel approved aviation safety legislation on Tuesday to require the use of advanced aircraft-tracking technology, after the January collision of an American Airlines regional jet and an Army helicopter that killed 67 people.

A ground stop was issued at Chicago O'Hare Airport due to an equipment outage late Saturday morning, the Federal Aviation Administration's website said.