S. 3031: Keep America Flying Act of 2026

The "Keep America Flying Act of 2026" is a bill focused on ensuring funding and operations for essential personnel within the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the event of a federal government shutdown. Here are the key components of the bill:

1. Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to provide continuing appropriations for necessary personnel that maintain aviation safety and security. It specifically addresses the pay and operational needs of essential workers who ensure the effective functioning of the national airspace system.

2. Funding Allocations

The bill appropriates funds for the fiscal year 2026, specifically for the following purposes:

• Air Traffic Controllers: Ensures standard pay, allowances, benefits, and other regular payments for air traffic controllers and essential operational personnel from the FAA.
• TSA Employees: Provides similar financial support for TSA employees who handle security screening and related services.
• Contractor Payments: Allocates funds for payments to contractors who support FAA and TSA personnel, as determined by the Secretary of Transportation or the TSA Administrator.

3. Future Appropriations

Any expenditures made under this bill would be charged to the applicable future appropriations once they are enacted into law. This means that the funding will be accounted for in subsequent budgets as necessary.

4. Duration of Funding

The appropriations and funds authorized by this Act will remain available until one of the following occurs:

• The enactment of a new appropriation law that provides funding for the same purposes.
• The enactment of a continuing appropriations resolution or another legislative act without provisions for these specific purposes.
• September 30, 2026.

5. Effective Date

The provisions of this Act would take effect as if it had been enacted on September 30, 2025, thus providing retroactive support if necessary.

Relevant Companies

• BA (Boeing Company): May be indirectly impacted as a major manufacturer that depends on FAA operations for safety regulations and guidelines.
• UAL (United Airlines Holdings): As a major airline, any disruption in FAA operations or personnel could affect flight schedules and safety measures.
• DAL (Delta Air Lines): Similar to United, Delta's operations and security measures are closely tied to TSA and FAA personnel, making them susceptible to any changes in funding or operations.