Sen. Moran proposal could help stabilize aviation operations

This op-ed originally appeared in The Topeka Capital-Journal.

Americans could soon be feeling deja vu as the federal government approaches yet another funding impasse on Capitol Hill.

It comes less than three months after the end of a 43-day shutdown that threw America’s aviation system into chaos — disrupting thousands of flights and millions of passengers. If lawmakers fail to reach a budget agreement by Jan. 30, more travel turbulence looms.

But Americans do have a failsafe via a proposal from U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kansas. It would help to ensure flyers don’t become collateral damage to political games of chicken. Congress should quickly pass the measure — or one like it — before the end of the month.

During the last federal funding lapse, air traffic controllers were swept up in Washington’s brinkmanship — leaving aviation vulnerable. As the shutdown dragged on, these essential workers went weeks without a paycheck. Some took second jobs to make ends meet. Others left the profession altogether, worsening a staffing shortage that had already been building for years.

The ripple effects of this disruption were severe. With control towers stretched thin, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) decided to reduce flight traffic at dozens of big airports. Major hubs like Chicago and Denver cancelled thousands of flights. Those cuts quickly cascaded through the system, leaving regional hubs like Kansas City and Wichita without key connecting service and stranding Kansans at airports beyond those directly targeted by the FAA’s reductions.

The government-mandated flight reductions also dealt a major blow to the U.S. economy. Over $7 billion in economic activity — or roughly $150 million per day — was lost over the course of the shutdown. Given the commercial aviation sector drives roughly 5% of the U.S. GDP, the broader economy can’t rely on political goodwill to prevent future shutdown chaos.

Sen. Moran’s Aviation Funding Stability Act would allow the FAA to tap into an alternative funding source called the Airway and Airport Trust Fund to buoy aviation operations when Capitol Hill goes dark. The trust fund is supported by aviation-related user fees — not general taxpayer dollars — making it a commonsense backstop during funding lapses.

Similar bipartisan efforts are also gaining momentum. A proposal led by House Transportation Chair Sam Graves, R-Missouri, would allow the FAA to tap a wartime emergency fund during budget battles to keep critical aviation operations running smoothly. While the funding mechanisms differ, the goal is the same — keep planes flying, workers paid, and the aviation system functioning when lawmakers dig their heels into the ground.

While policymakers explore ways to shield day-to-day aviation operations from future shutdowns, they also have an opportunity to reinforce the long-term modernization effort itself.

Last summer, Congress appropriated $12.5 billion to upgrade air traffic control systems but more is required to finish the job. Fully funding the remaining $19 billion needed to complete the upgrades would help ensure that recent progress is not only preserved, but accelerated — allowing the FAA to move beyond stop-gap fixes and bring our aviation system to a fully digital one.

No one wants another government closure at the end of January — especially those who are planning to travel. With a bit of foresight and bipartisan cooperation, Congress can safeguard the nation’s aviation system and the millions of Americans who depend on it before the next funding crisis arrives. Sen. Moran is helping to clear a smart path forward.

Jackson Shedelbower is the executive director of the Center for Transportation Policy.