Subject: Re: Potomac crash - VAS Aviation
Lots of sources say "no". There is no slack, there is a shortage. One number I saw was 3000 ATCs. Here's just one of many links talking about the shortage:

I mean, that's my perception as well. But Dope seemed to have some familiarity, and is probably a little more skeptical than folks in the industry who might be talking up their book (metaphorically) about where the breaking point actually is.

I'm genuinely curious, so I'm trying not to make too much of a policy point. But it does highlight to me that the folks who set this policy were probably thinking more about federal employees that sit in offices and draft regulations, rather than having in the front of their mind a federal employee like the folks who staff the FAA Academy.