Keep America Flying Act of 2026

Summary · Congressional Research Service (nonpartisan)

This bill provides continuing appropriations to pay air traffic controllers, other essential Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) employees, and certain Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees during the period in which interim or full-year appropriations for FY2026 are not in effect (i.e., the government shutdown). Specifically, the bill provides FY2026 continuing appropriations to pay and provide benefits to air traffic controllers and other FAA essential operational personnel whose services are required for the safe and orderly operation of the national airspace system; and TSA employees engaged in screening operations, aviation security duties, or related mission-support functions necessary to carry out security screening. The bill also provides appropriations for payments to FAA and TSA contractors who are providing support to these employees. The bill provides the continuing appropriations until the earlier of (1) the enactment into law of specified appropriations legislation, or (2) September 30, 2026. The bill must take effect as if it had been enacted on September 30, 2025.