U.S. Congressman Aaron Bean of Florida has introduced new legislation intended to keep the nation’s air travel operating during a government shutdown. The bill, called the “Aviation Funding Stability Act of 2025,” aims to ensure that air traffic controllers and essential Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) personnel continue to receive pay even if federal funding lapses.
Bean discussed the proposal in an interview with Fox News, describing it as a “preemptive strike against chaos in the control tower.” According to his office, the bill is designed to “ensure that the backbone of our aviation system doesn’t buckle under political gridlock.”
The timing comes as millions of Americans are expected to travel during one of the busiest periods for air travel. In previous shutdowns, essential FAA workers were required to work without pay, which has caused stress among employees and disruptions in flight schedules. During the 2019 government shutdown, a shortage of available air traffic controllers led to ground stops at major airports and widespread delays.
If enacted, Bean’s legislation would allow funds from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund—financed by airline ticket and fuel taxes—to be used for up to 30 days to pay air traffic controllers and safety inspectors without additional Congressional approval. These funds would later be reimbursed once Congress passes an official appropriation.
Bean said, “While Congress continues negotiations on funding the federal government, I hope we can all agree: The people who keep America’s skies running should be paid on time.” He added, “We can’t afford to let a government shutdown disrupt the backbone of our aviation system. That’s why I introduced legislation to ensure our air traffic controllers are paid, and the FAA operates with no interruptions. It’s about protecting public safety and standing up for the aviation professionals who keep our country moving.”
Aaron Bean has represented Florida’s 4th district in Congress since 2023 after succeeding John Rutherford. Before serving in Congress, he was a member of both chambers of Florida’s legislature. Bean was born in Fernandina Beach, Florida in 1967 and graduated from Jacksonville University with a Bachelor of Science degree.
