Keep America Flying Act of 2026
Term Dictionary
If you come across any unfamiliar words while reading, these resources can help make everything clearer. Pick whichever one works best for you!
- Congress.gov Legislative Glossary - Comprehensive congressional terms
- NVFC Congressional Terms Glossary - Concise, easy-to-understand definitions
The gist
- Guarantees pay for air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screeners during any 2026 government shutdown, plus their support contractors.
Who wins, who loses
- Wins: air traffic controllers, TSA screeners, airline passengers, FAA contractors counting on steady paychecks.
- Loses: lawmakers who use shutdown pressure as leverage in budget fights lose a key bargaining chip.
What it does
- Appropriates 'such sums as necessary' from the Treasury to pay FAA and TSA essential staff during a shutdown.
- Covers contractors supporting these workers, as designated by the Secretary of Transportation or TSA Administrator.
- Takes effect retroactively to September 30, 2025; expires September 30, 2026 or when regular funding passes.
- Costs get charged back to normal appropriations once Congress passes them.
Why should I care?
Flying home for break? Shutdowns cause massive TSA call-outs and flight delays when workers go unpaid. Supporters say protecting aviation pay prevents chaos and keeps planes safe. Critics argue carving out specific agencies from shutdown pain reduces pressure to pass full budgets on time. Where do you land? Vote below and use "Tell Your Rep" to make sure your voice reaches Congress.