Airport Alert: House Passes Continuing Resolution to Fund Government Through September 30, 2025
House Passes Continuing Resolution to Fund Government Through September 30, 2025
March 11, 2025
This afternoon, the House of Representatives narrowly passed (217-213) a continuing resolution (CR) to fund all federal agencies, including DOT/FAA and DHS/TSA/CBP, through September 30, 2025. Under the CR, funding for the federal government remains at the fiscal year 2024 (FY24) level although the bill includes some exceptions. Notably:
- $4 billion for AIP consistent with the FAA reauthorization bill, $650 million above the FY24 level, and an additional $50 million for AIP discretionary grants;
- $13.483 billion for FAA Operations, $750 million over FY24 level to address air traffic control challenges, to hire and train air traffic controllers, and for aviation safety oversight; and
- $450 million for the Essential Air Service Program.
The CR does not include an anomaly for the FAA Contract Tower Program. Congress appropriated not less than $205.4 million for the program in FY24. However, the CR should allow the FAA to dedicate a higher amount for the popular program in FY25.
The CR does not restore funding for TSA law enforcement officer reimbursement grants, state and local-led canine teams, or reimbursements to airports for explosive detection systems they purchased before 2007. Funding for these programs was eliminated in FY24.
Lastly, no earmarks are included in the CR.
What’s Next?
The measure now moves to the Senate for consideration. While Senate Republicans control 53 seats, 60 votes will be necessary for passage to overcome a filibuster. This means that at least eight Senate Democrats will need to vote for the bill because Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) has said he will vote against the continuing resolution. While the timing for Senate consideration is unclear, the vote must occur before the current funding for the federal government expires on March 14th.
