Sen. Moran to Hold Hearing on Harmful Impacts to U.S. Aviation System Caused by Government Shutdown

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) - chairman of the Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation, Space, and Innovation - today announced he will convene a hearing to examine the harmful consequences to the U.S. aviation system caused by the recent government shutdown, and its impacts on the air traffic control system, airlines operations and training. The hearing will be held on Wednesday, November 19th, at 2:30 p.m. ET.

"The government shutdown has severely impacted our already fragile aviation industry, and recovering from its effects will take time," said Chairman Moran. "Earlier this year, we witnessed the vulnerabilities of our air system - all of which have been exacerbated by this shutdown - when a series of failures led to the mid-air collision on January 29, claiming 67 lives. As a result of the longest shutdown in American history, it was necessary for FAA to decrease the number of flights at major airports across the country. It's critical that we address the damage done and look at the long-term effects of the shutdown. I look forward to discussing with industry how Congress can work to alleviate the strain on air traffic controllers and TSA agents, as well as ensure safety for passengers and sustainable operations for our airlines, general and business aviation stakeholders."

Witnesses:

• Mr. Nick Daniels, President, National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA)
• Former Governor Chris Sununu, President and Chief Executive Officer, Airlines for America (A4A)
• Mr. Jim Viola, President and Chief Executive Officer, General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA)

Additional witnesses may be announced at a later date.

Hearing Details:

WHAT: Full Committee Hearing titled "Flying on Empty: How Shutdowns Threaten Air Safety, Travel, and the Economy"

WHEN: Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. ET

LOCATION: Commerce Committee Hearing Room, Russell Senate Office Building, Room 253

LIVESTREAM: The hearing will be livestreamed on the Senate Commerce Committee website and YouTube.

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