H.R. 2563 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the House, sent to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Apr 1, 2025
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryKeeps FAA Academy running during shutdowns
When the federal government runs out of funding and shuts down, this bill makes sure the FAA's main training academy in Oklahoma City stays open and operating. It keeps air traffic controller training going and requires the FAA employees working there to stay on the job during the shutdown, even without being paid until funding returns.
How it affects you
If you're an FAA employee at the academy in Oklahoma City or a student there training to be an air traffic controller, this bill means you'd have to keep working during a government shutdown instead of being furloughed (temporarily laid off). For the broader public, it helps ensure that critical training for air traffic controllers doesn't get interrupted by funding lapses.
Read the official summary (Introduced in House, Apr 1, 2025)
Aviation Education Remaining Operational Act or the AERO Act
This bill directs the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to continue FAA Academy operations in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, including air traffic controller training, during a lapse in FAA appropriations that results in a government shutdown or an emergency furlough.
If such a lapse in FAA appropriations occurs, the bill also exempts from furlough (1) all FAA employees providing services at the academy, and (2) students who are completing training at the academy and are FAA employees. This exemption requires the employees to continue working during a government shutdown.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
1st SessionH. R. 2563
A BILL
Aviation Education Remaining Operational Act
Sponsor: Rep. Frank D. Lucas (R-OK-3) · Introduced Apr 1, 2025 · Transportation and Public Works · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Apr 1, 2025: “Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.”