To provide for continued operation of the Federal Aviation Administration in the event of a lapse in appropriations.
This bill would establish an automatic emergency funding mechanism to keep the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) running if there is a lapse in federal appropriations. Specifically, it provides that, during any period when FAA funding is not available, there will be appropriated such amounts as are necessary to operate the FAA for the lesser of 30 days or the total duration of the lapse. In effect, it aims to prevent a shutdown of FAA operations (such as air traffic control, safety oversight, and regulatory functions) during short-term funding gaps, by authorizing emergency funds up to a 30-day cap tied to the length of the lapse. The bill is introduced in the House by Mr. Van Drew and referred to the Appropriations Committee. It presents a narrow, temporary funding solution aimed at maintaining FAA operations during funding lapses, without addressing long-term appropriations or broader budget policy.
Key Points
- 1Automatic emergency funding triggers if there is a lapse in FAA appropriations.
- 2The funding amount would be “such amounts as may be necessary” to operate the FAA.
- 3The duration of emergency funding is the lesser of 30 days or the actual duration of the lapse (i.e., capped at 30 days for any given lapse).
- 4Applies only to the FAA, not to other federal agencies.
- 5Intended to prevent disruption to FAA operations during short-term funding gaps, preserving safety oversight, air traffic control, and related activities.