Sen. Cruz Introduces the Keep America Flying Act to Prevent Airport Shutdowns
The Keep America Flying Act of 2026 has been introduced in the Senate and is currently waiting on the legislative calendar for a future vote. It is actively moving through the process as it has already been read twice. There are no specific upcoming actions scheduled at this time.
While this bill skips the usual committee steps, it currently lacks support from the other party, making it hard to pass in a divided Congress.
Scores run from -100 (strongly harmful) to +100 (strongly beneficial) for each group, combining impact, certainty, scope, and duration ratings of 1-5. How impact scoring works
Air traffic controllers and TSA screeners (roughly 55,000-60,000 workers combined) would keep receiving their full pay and benefits during any government shutdown. Currently, these employees are forced to work without pay during shutdowns and only get back pay after the shutdown ends. This bill eliminates that financial stress for a targeted group of federal workers in aviation.
“such sums as are necessary to provide standard rates of pay, allowances, pay differentials, benefits, and other payments otherwise payable on a regular basis to air traffic controllers and other essential operational personnel of the Federal Aviation Administration”
Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 205.
The bill is now on the schedule for the full chamber to consider. It's in line for debate and a vote.
Introduced in the Senate. Read the first time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under Read the First Time. (Legislative Day October 21, 2025).
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Introduced in Senate
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Senator Ted Cruz introduced the Keep America Flying Act of 2026 to compensate essential aviation workers using Treasury funds. The bill addresses financial strain on controllers and screeners that has led to increased sick calls and flight delays during the ongoing government shutdown.
The Keep America Flying Act of 2026 would authorize appropriations for air traffic controllers, TSA screeners, and essential contractors. Unlike previous proposals, this bill broadens coverage to include both safety and security functions across the aviation system during funding stalemates.
Despite the introduction of the Keep America Flying Act and similar measures, Congress has failed to pass permanent protections for aviation workers. This leaves air traffic controllers and TSA agents vulnerable to future shutdowns, which have historically caused massive travel delays.
No votes recorded for this bill yet.
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Keep America Flying Act of 2026
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