S. 3031 · On the floor · Transportation and Public Works

Keep America Flying Act of 2026

Sponsor: Ted Cruz (R-TX)

What it does

• Provide continuing appropriations to pay air traffic controllers and FAA essential operational personnel during gaps in full-year appropriations.
• Fund TSA employees engaged in screening operations, aviation security duties, and mission-support functions during government shutdowns.
• Appropriate funds for FAA and TSA contractors supporting these employees during the period without enacted FY2026 appropriations.
• Extend continuing appropriations through the earlier of enactment of full-year appropriations or September 30, 2026, retroactively effective from September 30, 2025.

Official summary

Keep America Flying Act of 2026 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.

Latest action

Oct 22, 2025: Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 205.