Congress authorized $12 billion in July 2025 to modernize air traffic control. Why did controllers still work without pay when the shutdown began in October?

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In July 2025, Congress authorized $12 billion for FAA modernization and Secretary Duffy identified $19 billion in additional needs. But authorization is just permission to spend—appropriations actually provide the money. When the Senate failed to pass appropriations bills on October 1, the authorized programs froze. No contractors could be paid, no equipment could be purchased, and controllers worked without paychecks despite the July authorization.

Congress authorized $12 billion in July 2025 to modernize air traffic control. Why did controllers still work without pay when the shutdown began in October?

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