Final passage of a consolidated spending package that includes transportation funding faces new uncertainty this week, even as temporary funding is set to expire on Friday, January 30. Senators returned to Washington, DC, today to consider the final FY 2026 appropriations bills for the Departments of Transportation, Homeland Security, Defense, Education, and Health and Human Services, which were passed by the House of Representatives last week and sent to the Senate as a single bill. However, in response to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions over the weekend, Senate Democrats have signaled unwillingness to pass the Homeland Security portion of the bill. Any changes to the consolidated bill – including passing individual appropriations for other federal agencies – would require additional votes by the House of Representatives, currently adjourned for a district work week until next Tuesday.
NATA continues to advocate for timely passage of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) appropriations bill, which has garnered wide bipartisan support. The legislation allocates $22.2 billion in total budgetary resources for the FAA, including a $235 million increase for the Air Traffic Organization, an $824 million increase for FAA facilities and equipment, and resources to hire 2,500 new air traffic controllers. NATA calls on the Senate to avoid another government shutdown, recognizing the significant negative impact it would inflict on the National Airspace System, essential aviation safety professionals, and NATA’s aviation business members. NATA will keep members informed of developments as they progress.