This Act ensures the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) can continue its operations during a government funding lapse by utilizing prior-year unobligated balances at the previous spending rate.
Debbie Dingell
Representative
MI-6
The Keep Air Travel Safe Act ensures the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) can continue all essential operations during a Congressional funding lapse. It allows the TSA Administrator to use unobligated prior-year funds to maintain activities at the previous year's spending rate. This temporary funding remains active until a new budget is passed or for a maximum of 180 days.
No More Airport Shutdowns: New Bill Guarantees TSA Stays Open for 180 Days During Government Lapses
If you’ve ever had a flight booked during a potential government shutdown, you know the anxiety of wondering if the TSA will even be open. The Keep Air Travel Safe Act is designed to eliminate that specific headache by creating a contingency plan for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) during a funding lapse.
The Security Blanket for Air Travel
This bill essentially gives the TSA a financial safety net. If Congress fails to pass a budget—a scenario we’ve seen play out before—the TSA Administrator is required to keep all current programs, projects, and activities running. This means the security lines, baggage screening, and all the things that keep air travel moving won’t grind to a halt just because of a budget impasse in D.C. This is a huge win for anyone who flies for work or pleasure, ensuring that critical national security functions remain operational and your travel plans aren't derailed by political gridlock.
Where the Money Comes From (And How Fast They Can Spend It)
So, how do they pay for this continuity? The bill authorizes the TSA to tap into existing, unspent funds (specifically, "unobligated balances" from a prior law, Public Law 119-21). This is money already sitting in the account, just waiting to be spent. Crucially, the bill prevents the TSA from using this temporary funding to ramp up operations. They must operate at the same spending rate as the previous fiscal year, ensuring they aren't using the lapse as an excuse to expand. Think of it like being given a temporary, restricted credit card: you can keep the lights on and the essential services running, but you can’t start any new projects or hire extra staff.
The 180-Day Clock
This temporary funding isn't permanent, which is important for maintaining Congressional oversight. The emergency funding kicks in immediately when a lapse starts, but it has an expiration date. It stops the moment a new regular spending bill or continuing resolution is passed. However, if Congress remains deadlocked, the funding automatically runs out after 180 days. This 180-day limit provides ample time for Congress to sort out its budget issues while guaranteeing that airport security remains fully staffed and operational for a substantial period. For the average traveler or the logistics manager relying on air cargo, this means reliable security and fewer worries about government shutdowns impacting their bottom line or travel schedule. The bill is clear and low on jargon, providing a straightforward mechanism for ensuring a critical public service remains uninterrupted.