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 highlighted the severe financial and morale strain on federal employees, including essential NTSB staff, who are working without pay due to the ongoing government shutdown.
Homendy emphasized that immediate expenses like rent, childcare, and food are critical for employees living paycheck to paycheck, and appealed to the public for resources to assist affected staff.
The government shutdown, which began October 1, has forced essential federal workers to miss paychecks, with the NTSB narrowing its operations to critical accident investigations despite the burden on its unpaid personnel and no end in sight.

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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.”