Government Open, But Another Critical Deadline Approaches In January

The federal government is open again after two months during which air traffic controllers, security personnel, and other federal employees worked without pay, but another crucial deadline comes up on January 30 when the continuing resolution that resumed funding for the federal government expires. 

Ed Bolen, President and CEO of the National Business Aviation Association, urged Congress to act now to pass legislation that ensures continued funding for aviation operations across the national airspace system.

Bolen’s written testimony on record to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation Subcommittee on Aviation, Space, and Innovation hearing was titled, “Flying on Empty: How Shutdowns Threaten Air Safety, Travel, and the Economy.” In his testimony, Bolen explained how the 43-day shutdown caused a significant impact on business aviation, a key component of the country’s air transportation system and a vital economic engine as a source of over a million American jobs.

He wrote, “The shutdown impacted an industry that serves as a lifeline to rural economies, provides emergency medical transportation and delivers humanitarian aid in times of need. It stalled critical (Federal Aviation Administration) FAA work that impacted business and general aviation safety oversight, certification, training and operations.”

Bolen noted that the national airspace system is a “public resource, open to all” and business aviation did its part by complying with the emergency order.

With the current short-term funding slated to expire on January 30, 2026, it is critical that lawmakers bring funding stability to the aviation system, Bolen said.

He stated that passage of a full-year FY2026 Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development appropriations bill, along with long-term funding through the ‘Funding Stability Act of 2025’ or the ‘Aviation Funding Solvency Act’ would “ensure user-funded aviation services continue in the event of another government shutdown.”

Bolen concluded his testimony by saying, “Ending the shutdown was an essential first step. Next, Congress must establish funding stability to ensure aviation services continue in the event of another government shutdown and return focus to modernizing the air traffic control system to maximize safety and efficiency in the National Airspace System and strengthen the resilience of the American economy,”

FMI:  nbaa.org/