The Keep America Flying Act of 2026 is a proposed law that aims to keep essential aviation and security workers paid during a government shutdown. This ensures that air travel remains safe and secure, even when political disagreements halt other government operations.
What This Bill Does
The Keep America Flying Act of 2026 is designed to make sure that certain key workers in the aviation industry get paid even if the government shuts down. This includes air traffic controllers who help planes take off and land safely, and TSA employees who check passengers at airports. Normally, during a shutdown, these workers might have to work without pay, but this bill would change that.
The bill provides funding to pay these workers from the end of September 2025 until the end of September 2026, or until a new budget is passed. This means that if there's a shutdown, these workers won't have to worry about missing paychecks. It also includes some contractors who help with important tasks for the FAA and TSA, but it's up to the agency leaders to decide who qualifies.
By ensuring these workers are paid, the bill aims to prevent problems like flight delays and security issues at airports, which can happen when there aren't enough staff on duty. This helps keep air travel running smoothly and safely.
Why It Matters
For everyday Americans, this bill could mean fewer headaches when traveling by air. If there's a government shutdown, flights might still run on time, and security lines might not be as long. This is important for people who rely on air travel for work, emergencies, or vacations.
The bill also helps protect the economy. When flights are delayed or canceled, it can cost airlines and travelers a lot of money. By keeping the aviation industry stable, the bill helps prevent these economic losses. It also reassures people that the government is committed to keeping essential services running, even during tough times.
Key Facts
- Cost/Budget Impact: No official Congressional Budget Office score available yet.
- Timeline for Implementation: Retroactive to September 30, 2025, and lasts until September 30, 2026, or until new funding is enacted.
- Number of People Affected: Approximately 14,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 TSA screeners nationwide.
- Key Dates: Introduced in Senate on October 22, 2025; House companion bill introduced on October 28, 2025.
- Real-World Examples: During the 2018-2019 shutdown, air traffic controllers and TSA employees worked without pay, causing stress and delays.
- Historical Context: Reflects growing use of targeted appropriations for critical services during shutdowns.
- No Corporate Lobbying Recorded: Despite its impact on major airlines and contractors, no companies have officially lobbied for or against the bill.
Arguments in Support
- Maintains Aviation Safety: Ensures air traffic controllers and other essential FAA personnel continue to receive pay, preventing disruptions and maintaining safe skies.
- Preserves National Security: Guarantees TSA employees are paid, so airport security remains fully operational, reducing vulnerability to threats.
- Prevents Economic Losses: Avoids flight delays and cancellations that can cost millions of dollars per day.
- Supports Airline Industry Stability: Ensures airlines can operate safely and reliably, protecting jobs and commerce tied to aviation.
- Protects Travelers: Prevents inconvenience and safety risks for millions of passengers who rely on air travel.
Arguments in Opposition
- Budgetary Impact: Creates a precedent for "piecemeal" funding, potentially undermining broader budget negotiations.
- Equity Issues: Prioritizes aviation and TSA workers over other federal employees, raising fairness concerns.
- Potential for Abuse: Could incentivize more frequent shutdowns if critical functions are protected.
- Administrative Complexity: Adds layers to federal budgeting, requiring tracking and reconciliation of payments.
- Contractor Ambiguity: Criteria for "essential" contractors may be unclear, risking inconsistent application.