Senate Republicans have introduced standalone legislation to ensure continued pay for essential Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) personnel.
The move comes as the U.S. federal government shutdown stretches into its 23rd day on October 24, 2025.
The bill, named the Keep America Flying Act of 2026 (S. 3031), aims to address growing concerns over air travel safety and staffing shortages caused by unpaid work.
We explore the bill’s details, its implications, and the broader context of the ongoing shutdown.
The Keep America Flying Act
Introduced by Senate Commerce Chair Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and co-sponsored by Sens. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), the Keep America Flying Act focuses on keeping air travel operational.
The bill provides temporary funding to pay FAA air traffic controllers, TSA baggage screeners, and supporting contractors. It also ensures back pay for work performed without compensation during the shutdown.
This targeted approach aims to prevent disruptions in the aviation system, which relies heavily on these essential workers.
The FAA employs about 14,000 air traffic controllers, while the TSA has around 60,000 screeners nationwide.
Both groups are required to work without pay during the shutdown, leading to financial strain and rising absenteeism. The bill seeks to alleviate this pressure, ensuring these workers can focus on maintaining safe and efficient air travel.
Importance of ATC Operations
The government shutdown, which began on October 1, 2025, has furloughed approximately 12,000 Department of Transportation employees, many from the FAA. This has halted training, hiring, and modernization efforts, raising concerns about long-term impacts.
Meanwhile, unpaid air traffic controllers and TSA officers have reported increased “sick calls” as a form of protest, echoing the 2019 shutdown that caused widespread flight delays and safety risks.
Recent reports highlight slowdowns at major airports, with the FAA reducing air traffic in some regions to maintain safety. Without action, experts warn of potential ground stops at busy hubs, which could disrupt travel for millions.
The Keep America Flying Act aims to prevent such outcomes by ensuring these workers are paid, reducing the likelihood of further absences.
The Political Context
The bill emerges amid intense partisan gridlock. Senate Democrats blocked a similar Republican proposal, the Shutdown Fairness Act of 2025, on October 23, citing concerns over giving the Trump administration too much flexibility in fund allocation.
Democrats countered with a plan to pay all federal workers and contractors, which Republicans rejected. Key disagreements over Affordable Care Act subsidies and border funding continue to stall broader negotiations.
The Senate is set to consider related pay measures this week, but the fate of the Keep America Flying Act remains uncertain.
If passed, it could provide short-term relief for aviation workers without resolving the full shutdown, which requires a comprehensive funding agreement.
Looking Ahead
The Keep America Flying Act highlights the critical role of FAA and TSA workers in keeping America’s skies safe. As the shutdown persists, public pressure is mounting to protect essential services.
Travelers and industry stakeholders should stay informed through sources like POLITICO or congressional updates, as the situation evolves rapidly.
In the short-term, this bill offers hope for aviation workers, but a long-term solution depends on bipartisan cooperation.
