HR6086-119

What This Bill Does

The Aviation Funding Solvency Act ensures that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) can continue operating during a government shutdown. It allows the FAA to tap into the Aviation Insurance Revolving Fund to keep essential programs running when Congress fails to pass appropriations bills, preventing disruptions to air traffic control and other critical aviation safety functions.

Who Benefits and How

Air travelers and the airline industry benefit because air traffic control operations would continue uninterrupted during government shutdowns, preventing flight cancellations and delays. FAA employees, particularly air traffic controllers, benefit because they would continue to receive pay during shutdowns rather than being furloughed or working without pay. The aviation sector broadly benefits from regulatory and safety continuity.

Who Bears the Burden and How

The Aviation Insurance Revolving Fund bears the direct financial burden, as its reserves would be drawn down to fund FAA operations. The bill requires maintaining a minimum balance of $1 billion in the fund, which limits how long operations can continue. Taxpayers indirectly could face costs if the fund needs to be replenished after being used for shutdown operations.

Key Provisions

• Authorizes use of Aviation Insurance Revolving Fund to continue FAA programs during government shutdowns
• Limits spending to rates not exceeding the prior fiscal year's appropriation levels
• Requires maintaining a minimum $1 billion balance in the fund
• Prioritizes payment of Air Traffic Organization employees if funds become insufficient
• Extends non-premium war risk insurance provisions by removing the sunset date