Aviation Funding Solvency Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Graves, Sam [R-MO-6]
- Committees
- Transportation and Infrastructure Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Dec 18, 2025
Bottom line
This bill aims to prevent disruptions to critical FAA functions, especially air traffic control, during government shutdowns by providing an alternative funding source and ensures continuous war risk insurance for the aviation industry.
What it actually does
This bill establishes a mechanism for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to use funds from the Aviation Insurance Revolving Fund (AIFR) to maintain essential operations, including air traffic control, during a government shutdown. It also makes the authority for the Secretary of Transportation to provide non-premium war risk insurance permanent by removing its expiration clause.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue this bill ensures the continuity of essential air travel safety and security services, protecting the economy and public during government funding lapses, and provides stability for the aviation industry by making war risk insurance permanent.
Opponents contend
Opponents might argue that this bill undermines the principle of congressional appropriations control by creating an automatic funding mechanism, potentially reducing pressure on Congress to avoid shutdowns, and could deplete the Aviation Insurance Revolving Fund, impacting its primary purpose.
The bill is short and straightforward, allowing for quick comprehension by an informed reader.
Section 2
Temporary Funding for FAA During Government Shutdowns
This provision allows the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to draw funds from the Aviation Insurance Revolving Fund (AIFR) to continue its operations, including air traffic control and facilities maintenance, during a government shutdown. It specifies that only amounts exceeding $1 billion in the fund can be used, and the funding rate cannot exceed the previous fiscal year's level. The Administrator must prioritize compensation for Air Traffic Organization employees if funds are insufficient.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision is crucial for national security and economic stability, preventing the severe disruptions to air travel and commerce that occur during government shutdowns, and ensuring the safety of the national airspace.
Critics contend
Critics might argue that this provision lessens the urgency for Congress to pass appropriations bills on time, effectively normalizing government shutdowns for critical agencies, and could set a precedent for other agencies to seek similar carve-outs.
Tradeoffs
The bill balances the need for continuous essential government services against the principle of congressional control over appropriations and the potential moral hazard of reducing pressure to avoid shutdowns.
Section 3
Permanent Authorization for Non-Premium War Risk Insurance
This section amends existing law (49 U.S.C. 44310) by removing subsection (b), which likely contained a sunset or termination date for non-premium war risk insurance. By striking this subsection, the bill effectively makes the provision of non-premium war risk insurance by the Secretary of Transportation a permanent authority, removing the need for periodic reauthorization.