NATA Working for You
Legislative Update: Congress Averts Government Shutdown
The U.S. Senate approved passage of a Continuing Resolution extending government funding at FY 2024 levels for the next seven months, narrowly averting a government shutdown. The President is expected to sign the CR before funding expires at midnight tonight.
Earlier today, NATA shared its strong opposition to a government shutdown with every U.S. Senator, underscoring the critical importance of stable FAA funding for the safety, efficiency, and economic well-being of our members. The Association also joined 28 other national stakeholders representing all aviation sectors in a letter urging Congress to act swiftly to avoid a harmful government shutdown, outlining safety concerns that a shutdown would introduce into our aviation system.
In addition to the points outlined in the coalition letter, NATA cited specific effects on our members’ operations when FAA services such as aircraft registration, flight training, pilot licensing, check rides, and certification are halted – disruptions that would create operational delays, increase costs, and negatively affect airports and business growth, job creation, and economic output. Additionally, we emphasized the critical services supported by business aviation that could also be hindered, such as organ transport and other public and emergency services. Most concerning are the long-term safety risks when FAA inspectors are limited to emergency oversight, delaying regulatory compliance and the implementation of Congressionally mandated improvements to those services, NATA explained to Senate offices.
NATA’s advocacy this week demonstrates our ongoing efforts to protect our members’ interests, sustain our industry’s growth, ensure business continuity and operational efficiency, and further our joint commitment to a safer aviation environment.