Senator Jerry Moran: A Government Shutdown is Damaging and Makes No Sense

Impact of Government Shutdowns

• ⚠️ A government shutdown, currently nine days in, is causing significant disruption to Americans, particularly those in the aviation industry.
• ✈️ The shutdown is straining the already fragile air traffic control system, highlighting its fragility, especially after the tragic flight from Wichita, Kansas on January 29th that claimed 67 lives.
• 📉 The failure to pass a continuing resolution (CR) is described as adding pressure to an already strained system, potentially leading to the closing of airspace.

Aviation System Modernization Hindered

• 💡 Decades-long issues with modernizing the airspace system are exacerbated by Congress failing to keep the government operating.
• 💰 Despite a $12.5 billion investment in modernizing the airspace and efforts to train more controllers, these efforts are made more difficult by the shutdown.
• 🛠️ The Aviation Funding Stability Act, introduced to allow the FAA to draw from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund during appropriation lapses, is still important but not a complete solution.

Risks to Rural Air Service

• 📌 The Essential Air Service program, which incentivizes airlines to provide flights to rural communities, is also at risk due to the shutdown.
• 🌾 In Kansas, five airports rely on this program for flights, enabling constituents to travel for business, family, and medical appointments.

The Case for a Continuing Resolution

• 📊 The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development has advanced the FY2026 funding bill, including over $22 billion for the FAA and funding to hire 2500 air traffic controllers.
• ⏳ A short-term, clean continuing resolution is presented as a straightforward solution to allow time to complete the appropriations process.
• 🌍 The shutdown not only damages the US internally but also allows adversaries to perceive a lack of capability and causes allies to question the nation's stability.
• ✈️ Senator Moran urges Democratic colleagues to pass a short-term CR to alleviate pressure on the aviation system, return to appropriating government funding, and provide national certainty and stability.