US Federal House Bill HB5851

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 10/28/25
• Refer: 10/28/25

Caption

Keep America Flying Act of 2026

Summary

HB5851, titled the Keep America Flying Act of 2026, would provide temporary continuing appropriations to keep certain Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) operations funded during a federal government shutdown or other lapse in appropriations for fiscal year 2026. The bill covers pay and related compensation for air traffic controllers, other essential FAA operational personnel needed for safe and orderly operation of the national airspace system, and TSA employees involved in screening, aviation security, and related mission-support functions. The bill also extends funding to FAA and TSA contractors that the relevant agency heads determine are supporting those essential personnel. These funds would be available only until regular or continuing appropriations are enacted, another law is passed without such funding, or September 30, 2026, whichever comes first. The measure is written to take effect retroactively as if enacted on September 30, 2025, so it can cover a funding gap that may have already begun.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would create a narrow, temporary funding authority outside the normal appropriations process for specific aviation safety and security functions. It would not broadly fund the federal government, but would instead protect pay and operations for designated FAA and TSA personnel and certain contractors during a shutdown. The bill would charge these expenditures against future appropriations once enacted, preserving the usual budgetary accounting while preventing interruption of critical air travel and security operations.

Sentiment

The available context suggests the bill is framed as a practical, safety-focused response to the risk of a federal shutdown affecting aviation operations. Its title and structure indicate support for keeping air travel functioning and avoiding disruptions to passengers, airports, and national airspace management. No committee transcript or recorded vote is provided, so there is no direct evidence of formal support or opposition in the supplied materials.

Contention

The main policy issue is the use of a targeted continuing appropriation to bypass a shutdown-related lapse for selected federal workers and contractors. Potential points of contention include whether Congress should provide a narrow carve-out for FAA and TSA instead of resolving the broader appropriations impasse, and whether retroactive funding is appropriate. Any disagreement would likely center on shutdown strategy, federal spending authority, and whether aviation personnel should be prioritized over other affected agencies.