S. 1045: Aviation Funding Stability Act of 2025

This legislation, known as the Aviation Funding Stability Act of 2025, aims to ensure that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) can continue its operations even during periods when government funding is delayed or not available. Here are the key points outlined in the bill:

Funding Continuation

If a budget for the FAA is not passed before the start of a fiscal year, the bill allows the FAA to access funds from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund. This access is intended to maintain ongoing programs, projects, and activities that were operational in the previous fiscal year. It covers areas such as:

• Operations
• Facilities and Equipment
• Research, Engineering, and Development
• Grants-in-Aid for Airports

Rate of Operations

The bill stipulates that the funding and operational capacity for the FAA during a funding lapse shall not exceed the levels provided for in either:

• The previous year’s regular appropriations, or
• A joint resolution making continuing appropriations if the prior year’s was not enacted.

Availability of Funds

Funds will be available starting from the first day of a funding lapse until a new budget or continuing appropriations resolution is enacted. This provision aims to fill the gap in funding and keep the FAA's essential functions running smoothly.

Conditions and Terms

Any funds appropriated under this act will come with the same terms and conditions as those applicable to the previous fiscal year's appropriations for similar programs. Furthermore, if funding is being used under this bill when a new fiscal year begins, the existing funding levels will continue until a new budget is approved.

Management of Expenditures

Expenditures made during the funding lapse will be accounted for against the upcoming appropriation bill as soon as it is passed. This ensures that any spending done to maintain operations does not fall outside the required financial oversight.

Termination Conditions

The provisions of this bill would not apply if other laws fund specific programs, projects, or activities adequately during a fiscal year. This would ensure that if there are separate legal provisions for funding, they would take precedence over the provisions of this bill.

Relevant Companies

• BA - Boeing Company: As a major manufacturer of aircraft, Boeing would be impacted positively by continuous FAA operations, ensuring that certifications and approvals for their aircraft proceed without interruption.
• UAL - United Airlines Holdings, Inc.: As an airline, United Airlines would benefit from uninterrupted FAA services that facilitate safe and efficient air travel operations.
• AAL - American Airlines Group Inc.: Similar to United Airlines, American Airlines relies on FAA operations for flight safety and regulatory compliance, meaning stability in FAA funding would be crucial for their operations.