Senate Republicans this week introduced a bill that would continue to pay essential FAA and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers during the federal government shutdown.
The full text of the “Keep America Flying Act of 2026” is not yet available through Congress’ website, but a summary provided by the Government Publishing Office (GPO) says the bill would make “continuing appropriations” for essential FAA and TSA personnel.
The act is sponsored by Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), who serves as chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee.
While some FAA and TSA workers have been furloughed due to the shutdown, many are considered essential and must continue working even though they are not being paid. Earlier this month, a slightly higher number of FAA air traffic controllers (ATCs) than normal began calling out of work sick, a tactic used by some federal employees in past shutdowns to protest their lack of compensation.
CNN reported Thursday that the Keep America Flying Act would provide back pay to FAA and TSA staff, though this was not clear from the GPO’s summary.
The federal government has been shut down since October 1. Several bills that would have reopened the government or at least provided some pay to essential workers have failed.
