WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (Kan.) – chairman of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation, Space, and Innovation – today led a hearing to examine the consequences of the recent 43-day government shutdown on the U.S. aviation system and how to make certain the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) can be insulated from the impacts of possible future shutdowns.

“We convened this hearing because of the importance of the aviation and travel industry, a vital component of our nation’s economy, and trying to find ways to make certain that industry is stable, including in difficult times like a government shutdown,” said Sen. Moran. “We must do our part to enable the FAA and the Department of Transportation to make certain that America remains the standard for aviation and air safety.”

“I introduced legislation in many Congresses that allows for the continuation of essential FAA activities in the future shutdowns,” continued Sen. Moran. “By examining the delays, the cancelations, the staffing triggers and certification interruptions, we are laying the groundwork to support an industry that is critical to our country.”

In March, Sen. Moran introduced the Aviation Funding Stability Act, which would provide certainty for the aviation industry during lapses in government funding by allowing the FAA to access funds to continue its critical operations and pay air traffic controllers.

Click HERE to Watch Sen. Moran’s Opening Remarks