Sponsor
Jefferson Van Drew
Representative · R-NJ
Representative · R-NJ
The bill preserves FAA operations and safety for up to 30 days during a funding lapse—protecting travelers and workers in the near term—but shifts short-term costs to taxpayers, may reduce incentive for Congress to pass full appropriations, and leaves the system vulnerable to abrupt disruption if a lapse lasts longer than 30 days.
Air travelers and airlines will face fewer delays and maintain FAA safety oversight because FAA operations continue during a short funding lapse.
FAA personnel (federal employees and air-traffic staff) can keep working for up to 30 days during a funding lapse, avoiding immediate furloughs and near-term service interruptions.
Federal operations gain short-term continuity that gives Congress additional time to resolve appropriations without causing an immediate operational crisis.
If a funding lapse extends beyond 30 days, FAA operations and staffing could stop abruptly when the automatic funding expires, producing sudden service disruptions and emergency-planning challenges for workers and travelers.
Taxpayers may incur unplanned costs because FAA spending continues automatically during the shutdown period.
Automatic short-term funding reduces political pressure on Congress to promptly pass appropriations, potentially encouraging reliance on temporary fixes instead of resolving funding through regular appropriations.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Automatically funds FAA operations during a lapse in appropriations for the lesser of 30 days or the lapse duration.
Provides that if the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) would otherwise be affected by a lapse in annual appropriations, funds are automatically made available to continue FAA operations for the lesser of 30 days or the duration of the lapse. The provision ensures FAA operations continue during short funding gaps so flights, air traffic control, and related services keep running for up to 30 days without interruption by an appropriations lapse.
Official title: To provide for continued operation of the Federal Aviation Administration in the event of a lapse in appropriations.
Introduced September 30, 2025 by Jefferson Van Drew · Last progress September 30, 2025