In an 81-to-18 vote, the U.S. Senate reached an agreement on Jan. 22 to end a three-day shutdown of the federal government and continue funding through Feb. 8.
Nearly 18,000 furloughed FAA staffers returned to work Jan. 23 and resumed processing aircraft registrations, an agency function that was halted during the congressional impasse.
The concern was based on experience. In 2013, the shutdown brought aircraft financing, purchases, and deliveries to a halt. According to the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, the 2013 shutdown delayed 156 aircraft deliveries valued at $1.9 billion.
AOPA will continue to work with legislators to achieve a steady funding stream for the FAA.