Keep America Flying Act of 2026
Keep America Flying Act of 2026
Plain Language Summary
# Keep America Flying Act of 2026 – Plain Language Summary **What the Bill Does:** This bill would ensure that air traffic controllers, FAA safety personnel, and TSA security screeners continue to be paid during a government shutdown. It provides temporary funding specifically for these essential aviation workers and their supporting contractors to keep operating until Congress passes a full budget for 2026. Without this bill, these employees would work without pay during any shutdown period. **Who It Affects:** The bill directly impacts air traffic controllers who manage airplane traffic, FAA employees responsible for maintaining safe airspace operations, and TSA workers who screen passengers and baggage at airports.
Indirectly, it affects the general flying public by keeping airports operational during budget disputes. It also covers contractors who support these agencies. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House. As of now, it has not been enacted into law.
CRS Official Summary
Keep America Flying Act of 2026This bill provides continuing appropriations to pay air traffic controllers, other essential Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) employees, and certain Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees during the period in which interim or full-year appropriations for FY2026 are not in effect (i.e., the government shutdown).Specifically, the bill provides FY2026 continuing appropriations to pay and provide benefits toair traffic controllers and other FAA essential operational personnel whose services are required for the safe and orderly operation of the national airspace system; andTSA employees engaged in screening operations, aviation security duties, or related mission-support functions necessary to carry out security screening.The bill also provides appropriations for payments to FAA and TSA contractors who are providing support to these employees.The bill provides the continuing appropriations until the earlier of (1) the enactment into law of specified appropriations legislation, or (2) September 30, 2026. The bill must take effect as if it had been enacted on September 30, 2025.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on Appropriations.