H.R. 5851 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the House, sent to the Committee on Appropriations, Oct 28, 2025
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryKeeps air traffic controllers paid during shutdown
Ever wonder what happens to airport operations if the federal government shuts down? This bill makes sure air traffic controllers, airport security officers, and other essential FAA and TSA workers keep getting paid during a shutdown. It covers their salaries, benefits, and contractors who support them, lasting until Congress passes a full budget or until the end of September 2026.
How it affects you
If you fly or work at an airport, this means aviation safety and security screening would continue during a government shutdown instead of stopping. Air traffic controllers would stay on the job directing planes, and TSA officers would keep screening passengers at security checkpoints.
Read the official summary (Introduced in House, Oct 28, 2025)
Keep America Flying Act of 2026
This bill provides continuing appropriations to pay air traffic controllers, other essential Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) employees, and certain Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees during the period in which interim or full-year appropriations for FY2026 are not in effect (i.e., the government shutdown).
Specifically, the bill provides FY2026 continuing appropriations to pay and provide benefits to
• air traffic controllers and other FAA essential operational personnel whose services are required for the safe and orderly operation of the national airspace system; and
• TSA employees engaged in screening operations, aviation security duties, or related mission-support functions necessary to carry out security screening.
The bill also provides appropriations for payments to FAA and TSA contractors who are providing support to these employees.
The bill provides the continuing appropriations until the earlier of (1) the enactment into law of specified appropriations legislation, or (2) September 30, 2026.
The bill must take effect as if it had been enacted on September 30, 2025.
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. 5851
A BILL
Keep America Flying Act of 2026
Sponsor: Rep. John James (R-MI-10) · Introduced Oct 28, 2025 · Transportation and Public Works · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Oct 28, 2025: “Referred to the House Committee on Appropriations.”