Chair Says Shutdown Putting ‘Strain’ on NTSB

Agency leader Jennifer Homendy asks for ‘resources’ to help employees working without pay.

Zach Vasile

Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at 10:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy at a hearing [Courtesy: NTSB]

Key Takeaways:

NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy publicly emphasized the severe financial and morale strain on federal employees, including NTSB staff, who are working without pay during the ongoing government shutdown, and appealed for public assistance in identifying resources for them.
Essential federal workers, like NTSB investigators, have missed their first full paycheck since the October 1 shutdown began, with the NTSB narrowing its focus but continuing critical high-profile accident investigations.
The shutdown's end remains uncertain due to ongoing congressional deadlock, prolonging the financial hardship for affected federal employees.

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National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Chair Jennifer Homendy took to social media Sunday to emphasize the growing strain placed on federal employees as they continue to work without pay during the government shutdown.

“Our employees are dedicated, 100% committed to safety, but the shutdown is a significant strain on their families, as well as morale,” Homendy wrote on X. “Recent surveys show that 57-69% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck. Backpay doesn’t pay the rent/mortgage right now. Backpay doesn’t pay childcare right now. Backpay doesn’t put food on the dinner table right now.”