A new United States Senate bill called the Keep America Flying Act of 2026 wants to ensure essential air traffic control (ATC), FAA and TSA employees continue to receive paychecks during the ongoing government shutdown, which is now in its fifth week. Tens of thousands of critical aviation staff have been required to work without pay since the shutdown began.

Under the bill, payments would be drawn from unappropriated Treasury funds and would be backdated to September 30, the eve of the government shutdown. The bill has already gathered considerable support as workers faced their first empty paycheck on Tuesday .

Senate Proposes New 'Keep America Flying' Bill

The federal government shutdown has put a huge strain on the country's aviation industry, particularly with ATC staffin

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