Amid Capitol Hill Budget Battle, Congress Needs to Insulate Aviation Funding

Last year’s government shutdown and resulting flight cancellations imposed a $7.25 billion burden on the economy. 

Arlington, VA (January 28, 2026)—Congress has until the end of the week to avoid a federal funding impasse, which comes less than three months after a 43-day government shutdown that threw America’s aviation industry into chaos. As the deadline looms, the Center for Transportation Policy (CTP) is reminding lawmakers about the associated economic fallout, as well as potential legislative proposals that could insulate the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) from political brinkmanship.

Air traffic controllers went weeks without pay during last year’s government shutdown, which undermined staffing levels and triggered rolling flight cancellations and delays. An analysis released earlier this month found that, as a result, more than 9,000 flights were canceled, over 6 million passengers were impacted, and the U.S. economy took an estimated $7.25 billion hit—more than $150 million per day.

“As budget battles continue, Congress has an opportunity to shield America’s aviation system from these political games of chicken,” said Jackson Shedelbower, CTP executive director. “Last year’s government shutdown created huge headaches for millions of travelers and was a drag on the U.S. economy. Lawmakers should move quickly to keep history from repeating itself.”

While the funding fixes can differ, the goal should be the same — keep planes flying, air traffic controllers paid, and the aviation system functioning when lawmakers dig their heels into the ground. Sen. Jerry Moran’s (R-KS) Aviation Funding Stability Act, for example, would allow the FAA to tap into the Airway and Airport Trust Fund to buoy aviation operations when Capitol Hill goes dark. Another proposal from House Transportation Chair Sam Graves (R-MO) would accomplish similar funding stability. 

Read a recent op-ed published by CTP arguing for a congressional fix here. 

##