ATCA Support for the Aviation Funding Solvency Act

Dear Chairman Graves, Ranking Member Larsen, Chairman Nehls, and Ranking Member Carson:

On behalf of the Air Traffic Control Association (ATCA), I write to express our strong support for H.R. 6086, the Aviation Funding Solvency Act. This bipartisan legislation addresses a critical vulnerability in our nation's aviation infrastructure by ensuring the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) can maintain uninterrupted operations during future government shutdowns.

ATCA represents the U.S. companies that design, develop, and maintain the world's most complex air traffic management system. Recent government shutdowns have demonstrated the severe operational impacts when air traffic controllers and essential FAA personnel face delayed paychecks while being required to work. Safety-critical projects halt, controller training stops, and the FAA's Brand New Air Traffic Control System (BNATCS) implementation faces delays—all while contracts supporting hundreds of companies freeze.

H.R. 6086 provides a practical, fiscally responsible solution by allowing the FAA to access the Aviation Insurance Revolving Fund during appropriations lapses. With a current balance exceeding $2.6 billion—far more than needed for Civil Reserve Air Fleet (CRAF) claims—this fund can protect aviation system continuity while maintaining a prudent $1 billion reserve. The legislation wisely prioritizes air traffic controller compensation and includes a repayment mechanism to ensure long-term fiscal responsibility.

Our National Airspace System maintains multi-layered safety controls that require consistent support for air traffic controllers, technicians, and aviation professionals. Predictable funding, continuous training, and uninterrupted equipment maintenance are necessities for preserving the world's safest airspace. We are simultaneously modernizing the most efficient airspace system in the world while ensuring uninterrupted service—a dual responsibility that government shutdowns make impossible to fulfill effectively.

ATCA joins airports, airlines, and aviation stakeholders nationwide in supporting this legislation. By ensuring the FAA can continue its safety mission regardless of appropriations status, H.R. 6086 protects the aviation infrastructure that underpins our economy and serves the traveling public. We urge the Committee to advance this legislation promptly.

Thank you for your leadership on this critical issue. ATCA and our members look forward to working with you to enact the Aviation Funding Solvency Act. 

Stephen Creamer

President & CEO

ATCA