New Bill Seeks to Keep FAA Operating and Employees Paid During Government Shutdown

Representative Sharice Davids announced her support for legislation designed to allow the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to continue operating and paying employees during a government shutdown. The bill aims to maintain passenger safety and keep goods moving, avoiding disruptions like those during the 2018–19 shutdown, when unpaid air traffic controllers and safety inspectors called in sick, causing widespread flight delays.

During a shutdown, roughly 12,800 FAA workers, including air traffic controllers, rail safety, and hazmat inspectors, must work without pay, while other employees face furloughs. Current law allows the FAA to operate using the Airport and Airway Trust Fund for only 30 days. The proposed legislation would let the agency continue functioning beyond that limit, ensuring operations are uninterrupted and employees receive their pay.

Davids has highlighted safety concerns stemming from staffing shortages, outdated technology, and conflicts of interest, and has called for modernization of FAA systems, noting that many in Kansas are obsolete. She has also urged the FAA to implement reforms following recent incidents and reports. Davids is working toward a bipartisan solution to reopen the government and support Kansans affected by the shutdown.