The U.S. Congress has seen an unexpected act of bipartisanship in response to significant flight disruptions during the recent government shutdown. On Tuesday, lawmakers from both parties introduced a legislative proposal that aims to ensure air traffic controllers will be paid during any future government shutdowns.
The proposed bill seeks to tap into a little-used flight insurance fund created post-9/11, which currently holds about $2.6 billion. This fund was established when airlines struggled to obtain insurance coverage, and though the insurance program expired in 2014, the fund itself continues to grow from interest.
House Transportation Committee Chairman Rep. Sam Graves, along with sponsors from both parties, emphasized that the bill's goal is to ensure flight safety and operational stability during future shutdowns. “This bill guarantees that controllers... will get paid during any future funding lapses,” Graves stated.
The newly introduced bill is particularly noteworthy as it offers a more fiscally conservative alternative to other proposals that would have relied on the aviation trust fund, which has faced criticism for its higher cost estimates from the Congressional Budget Office.
Despite the bipartisan support, uncertainty looms over whether this bill can pass before the upcoming government funding deadline in January. Previous attempts to secure funding for air traffic controllers during shutdowns have often failed to materialize, even amid bipartisan interest.
In light of the last government shutdown, the impact on air traffic controllers and flight operations became evident as rising absences among controllers led to canceled flights. As controllers worked without pay, many were forced to seek alternative employment, exacerbating staffing issues.
As the Senate prepares for a hearing on the ramifications of the shutdown on aviation, this new legislation suggests a proactive step towards safeguarding essential services and keeping the skies safe for the traveling public.
