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The Modern Skies Coalition has sent a letter to Congress urging it to reopen the government and pass the bill that will fund the U.S.'s ATC system for a full year.
The letter states that asking federal employees to do the stressful job of air traffic control without pay is unacceptable. Before the shutdown, Congress made a 12.5 billion down payment to update the out-of-date ATC system and the Department of Transportation had made significant efforts to increase the number of applicants to the FAA's controllers. With the shutdown, the improvement efforts were stopped and could face negative repercussions the longer it goes on.
The NBAA, a member of the Coalition, has told its members to contact their elected officials, also to push them to end the government shutdown, fund the DOT to prevent the shutdown of the FAA and repeal the prohibition on general and business aviation operations at the 12 busiest airports in the U.S."The government shutdown has placed unprecedented pressure on the FAA workforce, who are working without pay, and has stalled essential progress toward building the modern, resilient air traffic control system our nation urgently needs," said the NBAA. "It has also triggered significant and disproportionate impacts on general aviation (GA)."
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The coalition is also pushing lawmakers to work with the administration to pass the 2026 appropriations bill to continue the needed investments in technology, air traffic facilities and staffing and training controllers, technicians and aviation safety personnel. Under the current resolution passed by the Senate, transportation agencies' funding will end on Jan. 31 unless additional action is taken."America's aviation system depends on stability, safety and access," said Ed Bolen, NBAA president and CEO. "Congress must act now—and your voice can make the difference. Speak up today to ensure lawmakers hear the aviation community loud and clear."