Lawmakers Aim to Prevent Disruptions to Air Traffic Control and Transportation Security

Congress has introduced a bipartisan bill to ensure that US air traffic controllers and other key FAA workers continue to receive pay during any future government shutdowns. The Aviation Funding Solvency Act draws from a rarely used $2.6 billion insurance fund originally established to compensate airlines if the federal government ever requisitioned their aircraft. The bill has been backed by top Republicans and Democrats on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and has been endorsed by the Modern Skies Coalition, a broad alliance of aviation industry groups and labor unions. The proposal aims to 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. The Keep America Flying Act would ensure continued pay for TSA officers and federal air marshals. The legislation was first reported by AeroTime.