A new bill introduced by Senator Ted Cruz of Texas would set aside money to pay essential FAA and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) staff through the duration of the federal government shutdown.
The legislation, known as the “Keep America Flying Act of 2026,” was read in the Senate on October 22, but only recently did Congress’ website upload its full text.
The bill would use Treasury Department funds not otherwise appropriated to pay air traffic controllers (ATCs) and other essential workers their salary and regular benefits.
Immediate compensation for these workers is needed, the proposal argues, because they support the “safe and orderly operation of the national airspace system.”
The federal government has been shut down since October 1, and federal workers missed their first full paychecks last week. Officials at the Transportation Department have noted a slight uptick in the number of ATCs calling out of work sick, which has led to delays and temporary ground stops at some of the nation’s busiest airports.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has said that while U.S. flight operations remain safe, the lack of pay is putting untenable financial pressure on ATCs and other essential staff. Duffy warned this week that domestic holiday travel could be disrupted if the shutdown does not end soon.
The Keep America Flying Act is cosponsored by Senators Markwayne Mullin and James Lankford of Oklahoma and Dan Sullivan of Alaska.
