US EditionBipartisan bill aims to pay air traffic controllers during future shutdowns
The bill would use a $2.6 billion flight insurance fund to pay FAA workers during shutdowns while limiting withdrawals to maintain a minimum balance of $1 billion.
- On Tuesday, congressional representatives introduced a bipartisan bill to let the Federal Aviation Administration tap a post-9/11 flight insurance fund to pay air traffic controllers during future shutdowns ahead of a Senate hearing Wednesday.
- FAA ordered airlines to cut flights at 40 busy airports amid shutdown delays, canceling thousands before airlines resumed normal operations Monday, while air traffic controllers and FAA technicians worked unpaid, worsening staffing strains.
- The little-used post-9/11 insurance fund was created when airlines struggled to get coverage, and although the program expired in 2014, the fund grows from interest and last claimed in 2021.
- If enacted, the bill would guarantee air traffic controllers receive pay during shutdowns and aim to prevent harm to aviation safety and the traveling public, while Transportation Committee staffers estimate funding could sustain FAA operations for four to six weeks.
- Lawmakers have reintroduced versions over the years, including in 2019 and 2021, while nearly all competing plans rely on the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, with sponsors from the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee hoping to limit costs.
36 Articles
36 Articles
Bill aims to ease shutdown flight issue
The flight disruptions during the record government shutdown that ended last week inspired a rare act of bipartisanship in Washington, where congressional representatives from both parties introduced legislation that would allow air traffic controllers to get paid during future shutdowns.
Senate Commerce Committee Examines Impact of Government Shutdowns on Air Safety, Economy
The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee holds a hearing on Nov. 19 to examine how government shutdowns threaten air safety, travel, and the U.S. economy. Witnesses: Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) Former Gov. Chris Sununu, president and CEO of Airlines for America (A4A) Jim Viola, president and CEO of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) ...
Bill introduced to pay air traffic controllers during future government shutdowns
Following flight disruptions caused by a recent 43-day government shutdown, a bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced a bill to pay air traffic controllers during future shutdowns. The bill would fund salaries and FAA operations by tapping into a $2.6 billion airline insurance fund originally created to reimburse airlines if government-confiscated planes are damaged. The big picture: Sponsors include key Republicans and Democrats from the House…
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