US Congress moves to guarantee pay for air traffic controllers in shutdowns 

Congressional leaders have introduced a bipartisan bill designed to ensure that US air traffic controllers and other key Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) workers continue to receive pay during any future government shutdowns. The proposal, called the Aviation Funding Solvency Act, is backed by the top Republicans and Democrats on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. 

The measure would draw from a rarely used $2.6 billion insurance fund originally established to compensate airlines if the federal government ever requisitioned their aircraft. Lawmakers say tapping that fund would prevent a repeat of the recent 43-day shutdown, when thousands of controllers and other essential aviation workers were forced to stay on the job without pay. 

“Our new, bipartisan bill will ensure FAA employees are paid and travelers don’t have to experience unnecessary interruptions,” said Rep. Andre Carson of Indiana, one of the bill’s co-sponsors. Committee Chair Sam Graves added that the shutdown exposed “how vulnerable the system can be when Congress can’t get its job done,” arguing the legislation would give controllers certainty during a funding lapse. 

The bill arrives after a turbulent period for the FAA and the broader aviation system. During the shutdown, more than 13,000 controllers continued working without pay, and the agency warned that staffing shortages could lead to delays and reduced capacity. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers faced similar strains, with many calling out sick as the shutdown dragged on. 

While the new bill focuses specifically on the FAA workforce, a separate measure — the Keep America Flying Act, introduced by Rep. John James of Michigan — aims to ensure continued pay for TSA officers, federal air marshals and other transportation-security personnel during shutdowns. Together, the proposals reflect growing recognition in Congress that withholding pay from essential aviation workers poses safety and operational risks. 

Supporters say the Aviation Funding Solvency Act is a practical step that gives the FAA a financial backstop without requiring major structural changes to the federal budget process. The legislation also includes a safeguard that would halt its use if the insurance fund’s balance falls below $1 billion.  The legislation drew support from the Modern Skies Coalition, a broad alliance of aviation industry groups, companies and labor unions that includes organizations such as Airlines for America, the National Business Aviation Association, Air Line Pilots Association, National Air Traffic Controllers Association, and major manufacturers including Boeing and Airbus.   The coalition said the FAA must be protected from funding lapses to ensure controllers, inspectors and other essential personnel can continue working without disruption. 

“As members of the Modern Skies Coalition, we urge Congress to ensure that our nation’s aviation system and those who rely upon it are never subjected to another government shutdown,” the groups said. “Travelers, shippers and other users of the system pay nearly $24 billion in taxes and fees every year for aviation operations, and they deserve uninterrupted delivery of those services.” The post US Congress moves to guarantee pay for air traffic controllers in shutdowns  appeared first on AeroTime.

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