FARE Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Moulton, Seth [D-MA-6]
- Committees
- Transportation and Infrastructure Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Nov 11, 2025
Bottom line
The FARE Act aims to ensure that during a government shutdown, commercial air travel, which serves the general public, is prioritized over private jet travel, unless the private flights serve essential public purposes.
What it actually does
This bill, known as the FARE Act, prohibits the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) from restricting commercial flights during a government shutdown or lapse in appropriations unless it first restricts all private aircraft flights in the same geographical area. It includes several exceptions for private flights, such as those for public safety, government business, medical reasons, or humanitarian relief.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue this bill promotes fairness and equity during government shutdowns, ensuring that the general public, who rely on commercial flights for essential travel, are not disproportionately affected while private jet owners continue to fly unrestricted. They contend it highlights the impact of government shutdowns on ordinary citizens and incentivizes timely appropriations.
Opponents contend
Opponents might argue that restricting private flights, even with exceptions, could hinder legitimate business operations, emergency responses not explicitly covered, or create undue burdens on individuals who rely on private aviation for specific, time-sensitive needs. They might also contend that the FAA's primary role is safety and efficiency, and this bill introduces a non-safety-related constraint on its operational decisions during critical periods.
The bill is very short and straightforward, making it highly accessible for any reader to understand its core provisions quickly.
Section 3(a)
Prioritization of Commercial Flights During Appropriations Lapses
This provision mandates that during a government shutdown or lapse in appropriations, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) cannot reduce or stop commercial flights in any given airspace unless it has already prohibited all private aircraft flights in that same geographical area for the same duration. This effectively prioritizes commercial air travel, which serves the general public, over private jet travel during such periods.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision ensures fairness, as commercial flights serve a broad public, while private jets often cater to a more affluent demographic. They believe it prevents essential public services from being curtailed while luxury travel continues unimpeded during government funding crises.
Critics contend
Critics might argue that this provision could complicate FAA's ability to manage airspace safely and efficiently during a shutdown, potentially forcing restrictions on private flights that, while not 'commercial,' might still serve important economic or personal functions not covered by the explicit exceptions.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the principle of equitable burden-sharing during government funding crises against potential operational complexities for air traffic management and the impact on private aviation users.
Section 3(b)
Exemptions for Essential Private Flights
This section outlines eight specific categories of private aircraft flights that are exempt from the general prohibition. These include flights for public safety, government business, military or diplomatic purposes, medical reasons, agricultural purposes, meteorological or scientific purposes, humanitarian or emergency relief, and carrying cargo. These exceptions ensure that critical functions performed by private aircraft are not halted during a lapse in appropriations.