The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee is set to review H.R. 6086, the Aviation Funding Solvency Act, on December 18, 2025. The bipartisan bill aims to protect the U.S. National Airspace System and its workforce from disruptions in federal funding during government shutdowns.
H.R. 6086 was introduced on November 18 by Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO), Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA), Aviation Subcommittee Chairman Troy E. Nehls (R-TX), and Subcommittee Ranking Member Andre Carson (D-IN). The legislation seeks to ensure uninterrupted operations for air traffic controllers, aviation safety inspectors, and other essential personnel in the event of a lapse in appropriations.
Various groups within the aviation industry have voiced support for the bill. The Modern Skies Coalition stated: “Our Coalition supports passage of this legislation that preserves the safety and operational integrity of the aviation ecosystem by protecting federal aviation workers and infrastructure. There is no reason aviation should be subjected to shutdowns that result from Washington’s inability to come to consensus on funding bills. Enough is enough. The time for this common sense and critical legislation is now.”
A coalition including Airlines for America, Business Roundtable, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and U.S. Travel Association commented: “Government shutdowns cause real and lasting economic harm to American businesses, workers, and families. They also jeopardize the reliability of the aviation system that keeps people and goods moving safely. We encourage Members of Congress to work together to prevent future shutdowns. If a lapse in funding occurs, we urge policymakers to ensure essential services and the personnel who perform them remain unaffected. That is why we support legislation like H.R. 6086, the Aviation Funding Solvency Act, that would provide uninterrupted pay for air traffic controllers and aviation safety inspectors during a shutdown.”
The Aeronautical Repair Station Association said: “The Aeronautical Repair Station Association (ARSA) strongly supports the Aviation Funding Solvency Act (H.R. 6086), which will protect the U.S. National Airspace System (NAS) and aerospace supply chain from disruption in the event of a future government shutdown.”
Other organizations highlighted concerns about past disruptions caused by government shutdowns as well as risks posed by interruptions in pay or operations for essential FAA staff.
The Affordable Skies Coalition remarked: “H.R. 6086 represents an important step toward providing the funding stability needed to support aviation operations, protect safety, and maintain confidence in the system that millions of Americans rely on every day. From a consumer perspective, certainty and continuity matter. Travelers expect and deserve an aviation system that is not vulnerable to repeated funding disruptions.”
According to data cited by supporting organizations such as U.S Travel Association from Tourism Economics—a recent government shutdown lasting 43 days resulted in losses exceeding $6 billion for the travel economy.
Other stakeholders echo similar sentiments regarding continuity of service during potential future budget impasses:
- The Air Line Pilots Association emphasized Congress’s responsibility “to safeguard the stability of the National Airspace System by guaranteeing the FAA and air traffic control remain unaffected during government shutdowns—ensuring air safety remains a top national priority, not a political bargaining chip.”
- Airlines for America said: “There is no reason for our nation’s economy, aviation system or consumer base to be subjected to a repeat of chaos…that is why we support your bill.”
- Southwest Airlines urged swift passage due to strains caused by previous shutdowns.
- Boeing underscored maintaining certification activities as vital for both public safety and economic stability.
- Delta Airlines called it "vital" legislation ensuring paychecks for FAA employees responsible for managing national airspace.
- United Airlines noted: “Our nation’s aviation workers deserve pay...I urge Congress to pass H.R. 6086...”
Many letters stressed reliance on user-paid funds already collected through taxes or fees as an appropriate mechanism during lapses.
Committee leaders are expected to hear further testimony when considering H.R. 6086 alongside other measures at their scheduled meeting.
