Contact Congress about H.R. 5851: Keep America Flying Act of 2026

Key FAA and TSA workers would keep getting paid during a 2026 government shutdown. The bill could also pay some contractors who directly support those jobs. This temporary funding ends when Congress passes regular funding or on September 30, 2026.

Modern Action explains legislation in plain English, helps you choose whether to support, oppose, or ask for changes, and drafts a message tied to the bill, your stance, and the elected officials who can act on it.

Keep America Flying Act of 2026 is a House bill in committee. The latest recorded action: Referred to the House Committee on Appropriations.

Latest action on H.R. 5851: Referred to the House Committee on Appropriations.

Who this affects: This bill mainly affects people whose jobs keep planes moving safely and airports running securely during a shutdown. The most direct impact falls on air traffic controllers, other essential FAA operations staff, TSA screening and security workers, and the contractors who help them do that work. Travelers could also feel the effects if the bill helps avoid worse delays or security problems.

Why this matters: Government shutdowns can leave essential workers on the job without pay and can strain airport safety and security. This bill tries to prevent that for key FAA and TSA jobs during fiscal year 2026. It could help keep flights safer, security lines steadier, and workers' paychecks and benefits flowing. But it does not solve shutdowns more broadly, and it does not set a hard spending cap.

Key provisions in H.R. 5851

• Gives whatever money is needed in fiscal year 2026 to pay covered FAA and TSA workers during a shutdown. This applies when regular or short-term funding for that year is not in effect.
• Keeps air traffic controllers and other essential FAA operations staff paid. It covers normal wages, extra pay, benefits, and other regular payments needed to keep the airspace system safe and orderly.
• Keeps TSA workers paid if they do passenger screening, baggage screening, aviation security, or closely related support work. It covers normal wages, extra pay, benefits, and other regular payments under chapter 449 of title 49 of the U.S. Code.
• Lets FAA contractors get paid during a shutdown. The Secretary of Transportation must decide that they support covered FAA workers.
• Lets TSA contractors get paid during a shutdown. The TSA Administrator or Acting Administrator must decide that they support covered TSA workers.

How Modern Action helps you take action on H.R. 5851

You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.

Questions people ask about H.R. 5851

What is H.R. 5851?

Key FAA and TSA workers would keep getting paid during a 2026 government shutdown. The bill could also pay some contractors who directly support those jobs. This temporary funding ends when Congress passes regular funding or on September 30, 2026.

How do I support or oppose H.R. 5851?

Choose support, oppose, or ask for changes on Modern Action. The action flow drafts the message for you and keeps the wording tied to this bill.

Who should I contact about H.R. 5851?

Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.

Can Modern Action explain H.R. 5851 before I act?

Yes. Modern Action gives you a plain-English summary, current status, and action context before you send anything.