take unpaid time off because of forced spending cuts. the senate approved a plan last night that would free up some money. the goal is to end the big delays, that have made flying such a hassle and headache this week. cnn's zain asher at new york's laguardia airport. good morning, zain. >> yes, a very disruptive week. over 3,000 flights delayed specifically because of budget cuts. so the faa was trying to save $600 million from its budget between now and cement and as a result they've been reducing staff at air traffic control towers by up to 10%. what you're getting is more space between flights. you're also seeing more flats on the tarmac for longer. also planes circling in the air longer before landing. i just spoke to a pilot from american eagle. here's what he had to say. >> it's just been torture. that's all i could say. it's been torture and i've never been -- i haven't been home on