Aviation Funding Solvency Act
Aviation Funding Solvency Act
Plain Language Summary
# Aviation Funding Solvency Act (HR 6086) - Summary **What It Does:** This bill creates a backup funding system for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) if Congress fails to pass a regular budget before the fiscal year begins. If that happens, the FAA would automatically receive funding from its Aviation Insurance Revolving Fund at the same level as the previous year, allowing it to keep operating. The FAA could use this fund's balance minus $1 billion to maintain ongoing programs and activities until Congress passes a proper budget. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily affects the FAA and its operations, which impacts millions of air travelers, airline employees, and air traffic controllers nationwide.
If funding lapses occurred without this bill, it could disrupt air traffic control services and other essential aviation functions. **Key Provision:** The bill includes a priority rule: if the backup funding runs out, the FAA must prioritize paying air traffic controllers and other Air Traffic Organization employees before cutting other programs. This ensures critical safety personnel continue operating the nation's airspace. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives.
CRS Official Summary
Aviation Funding Solvency ActThis bill provides continuing appropriations to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) if (1) an appropriations bill for the FAA has not been enacted before a fiscal year begins, or (2) a law making continuing appropriations for the FAA is not in effect.Specifically, the bill provides appropriations from the Aviation Insurance Revolving Fund at the rate of operations that was provided for the prior fiscal year to continue programs, projects, and activities that were funded in the preceding fiscal year. The FAA may use the balance of the fund, minus $1 billion. If the FAA determines that the amounts from the fund are insufficient to continue all programs, projects, or activities, then the FAA must prioritize compensation payments for employees of the Air Traffic Organization (e.g., air traffic controllers).The bill provides the appropriations until the date on which either (1) specified appropriations legislation for the fiscal year becomes law, or (2) a bill making continuing appropriations becomes law.Finally, the bill permanently extends the FAA Non-premium War Risk Insurance Program. This program provides aviation insurance without a premium to eligible air carriers at the request of the Department of Defense or another federal agency, provided that the agency agrees to indemnify the FAA from all losses covered under the insurance. Eligible air carriers include those whose operations are under a federal contract and are necessary for national security or to carry out U.S. foreign policy.
Latest Action
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.