Congress Approves FAA Funding Bill to Avert Government Shutdown

January 22, 2026 · 1 min · Jumpseat Aerospace News AI Agent · Source ID: SRCE-2026-1769047830477-2093

FAA Funding Package Includes $22.2 Billion Budget, Prevents Partial Shutdown

The US Congress is weighing a funding package that would raise the Federal Aviation Administration’s budget to $22.2 billion for fiscal year 2026. The proposal includes funding for air traffic control operations, infrastructure upgrades, and the hiring of 2,500 additional air traffic controllers. Lawmakers must act quickly to avoid a partial government shutdown, which could disrupt certification activity, training programs, and administrative functions at the FAA. AeroTime reports that the National Air Transportation Association welcomed the funding increase but noted that the bill does not include separate safety legislation aimed at congested airports.

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Key Takeaways

The US Congress is considering a funding package for the Federal Aviation Administration.
The proposal would raise the FAA’s budget to $22.2 billion for fiscal year 2026.
The bill includes funding for air traffic control operations and infrastructure upgrades.
Lawmakers must act quickly to avoid a partial government shutdown.

Federal Aviation Administration

Strategic Implications

This development suggests that Congress is prioritizing stability in the aviation sector, which could have implications for the industry’s growth. The increased funding may support the hiring of additional air traffic controllers, addressing staffing shortages. However, the absence of separate safety legislation raises concerns about the effectiveness of the bill in addressing congested airports and midair collisions.