Americans are furious as flight delays, missed paychecks, and political games wreak havoc on the nation — and Georgia Congressman Mike Collins (R-GA) says Democrats are to blame.
On Friday, Collins launched a blistering digital ad linking Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-GA) to the crippling government shutdown that’s paralyzing airports and leaving federal workers unpaid.
“Flights DELAYED. Military families NOT getting paid. And for what? To demand FREE healthcare for illegal immigrants,” the ad declares.
Collins, who represents Georgia’s 10th District and is running to unseat Ossoff in 2026, says Democrats are “playing political games with the livelihoods of American workers.”
“Air traffic controllers are working without pay. TSA agents are being stretched thin. Travelers are stranded — all because Ossoff and Schumer refuse to put Americans first,” Collins told Fox News Digital. “It’s time to stop the political theater and reopen our government.”
Shutdown Chaos — and Democrats’ Dangerous Demands
The shutdown began October 1 after Democrats refused to support a Republican funding bill unless it included an extension of Obamacare subsidies, which cover healthcare for millions — including illegal immigrants under certain provisions.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) blasted Democrats for holding the government hostage, saying the issue has nothing to do with keeping the lights on in Washington.
“This is about control and votes,” Johnson said. “Democrats are more interested in protecting failed policies than protecting American families.”
Despite Republicans holding 53 Senate seats, they still need seven Democrats to cross the aisle to reach the 60-vote threshold. So far, Ossoff has voted against every single GOP-led funding measure, siding with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to prolong the shutdown.
Georgia Takes the Hit — Airports in Chaos
The impact in Georgia has been devastating. More than 110,000 federal workers are missing paychecks, including thousands of TSA agents and air traffic controllers who are required to work without pay.
At Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, one of the busiest hubs in the world, the situation is worsening. According to Flight Aware, 426 flights were delayed Thursday alone, with nine cancellations — and those numbers are expected to rise.
“Airline employees and first responders don’t get to ‘work from home,’” Collins said. “They’re showing up every day — even as Democrats block paychecks and prioritize handouts for illegal immigrants. It’s shameful, it’s cruel, and it’s wrong.”
Ossoff Fires Back — But Avoids the Real Issue
In a statement to the press, Ossoff’s campaign accused Collins of using the shutdown to “distract from other issues.”
“Health insurance premiums are doubling, the government is closed, and Georgia’s House Republicans haven’t shown up to vote in weeks,” an Ossoff spokesperson claimed. “They’re hiding from votes on the Epstein Files.”
The remark refers to upcoming congressional hearings on healthcare subsidies and the Epstein documents, both expected to take center stage once Congress reconvenes next week.
Republicans Vow to Keep Fighting for Working Americans
With the shutdown now in its 10th day, the consequences are mounting — missed paychecks, delayed travel, and growing frustration among middle-class families.
Republicans say the blame lies squarely on Democrats who are “playing politics with people’s lives.”
“This is about priorities,” Collins said. “Democrats want to give taxpayer-funded benefits to non-citizens while hardworking Americans are struggling to get by. Georgia deserves better — and we’re going to make sure they get it.”