HOUSE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE ADVANCES ATC SHUTDOWN FUNDING PROPOSAL
January 26, 2026
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On December 18, 2025, the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure passed the bipartisan Aviation Funding Solvency Act which would authorize the FAA, during future government shutdowns, to utilize the Aviation Insurance Revolving Fund to pay air traffic controllers. While the legislation now heads to the full U.S. House of Representatives for further consideration, this marks an important step towards insulating air traffic controllers from the consequences of lapses in federal funding. The proposal to pay air traffic controllers during shutdowns could face a contentious battle as several House lawmakers have claimed in recent weeks that it would be unfair to treat federal employees differently merely because there are industry concerns about widespread aviation disruptions during government shutdowns. On the other hand, support for the Act is widespread among aviation stakeholders, including backing from Air Line Pilots Association International, Air Traffic Control Association, and Airlines for America. If lawmakers fail to enact the legislation by January 30, 2026, air traffic controllers could be forced to work without pay during future lapses in funding. This could result in the FAA once again implementing temporary flight restrictions at major U.S. airports because current federal government funding will expire at the end of January 2026.
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