Congress left Washington last week without passing an extension of government funding, leaving open the possibility of a government shutdown when current appropriations expire at midnight on September 30. Although a seven-week stopgap measure narrowly passed the House early Friday, that measure and a Democratic alternative both failed to garner the 60 votes needed to clear the Senate later in the day. With both chambers adjourned for district work this week, negotiations seem to have stalled over whether to pass a “clean” continuing resolution or to include an extension of several health care provisions. An emergency meeting between the White House and Democratic leaders was also cancelled this morning, adding to concerns about a gap in government funding.
Meanwhile, NATA-backed legislation that would allow the FAA to draw from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund (AATF) in the event of a government shutdown has been re-introduced in both chambers. The Aviation Funding Stability Act sponsored by Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) in the Senate and Representatives Steve Cohen (D-MS) and Andre Carson (D-IN) in the House, would ensure the FAA’s critical certification, safety oversight, and modernization efforts continue for up to 30 days if appropriations expire – protecting the aviation system from dangerous safety lapses and costly delays. NATA will keep members informed on the legislation’s progress.