Bipartisan Bill Seeks to Safeguard Air Traffic Controllers’ Pay During Government Shutdowns

A bipartisan bill has been introduced in the US Congress aiming to protect air traffic controllers' pay during government shutdowns. The proposed legislation seeks to utilize an underused flight insurance fund, established after the September 11 attacks and currently holding $2.6 billion, to ensure salaries and operational costs for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are covered. The bill has garnered support from both Republican and Democratic leaders within the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

The bill's proponents argue that tapping into this fund would alleviate the financial strain of payroll disbursements during shutdowns, ensuring the continued safety of air travel. Rep. Sam Graves, chairman of the committee, emphasized the importance of safeguarding air traffic control, aviation safety, and public travel from the consequences of funding gaps. The unveiling of the bill precedes a Senate subcommittee meeting focused on the impact of the recent 43-day shutdown on the aviation sector.

Despite bipartisan support, the bill's future remains uncertain, mirroring the fate of similar measures introduced after the 2019 shutdown. Alternative proposals, such as Senator Jerry Moran's Aviation Funding Stability Act, suggest utilizing the aviation trust fund, but these have been deemed more costly. The new bill includes a provision to cut off funding if the insurance fund dips below $1 billion, which Transportation Committee staffers estimate would still provide enough funding to keep the FAA operating for four to six weeks.

The issue of air traffic controller pay during shutdowns has gained prominence due to flight delays and cancellations caused by controller absences. The existing shortage of controllers exacerbates the problem, as even a few absences can disrupt operations. During shutdowns, controllers are expected to work without pay, leading some to seek second jobs and take time off, further straining the system. The FAA was even forced to order airlines to cut flights at 40 busy airports to relieve pressure on the system during the recent shutdown.

The flight insurance fund was initially created to provide airlines with insurance coverage after 9/11, when obtaining such coverage was difficult. While airlines paid into the fund regularly for years, the insurance market stabilized in the early 2010s, leading to the program's expiration in 2014. The fund continues to exist to cover claims related to government commandeering of aircraft and has grown through interest accrual.