H.R. 5451 — Aviation Funding Stability Act of 2025

This section establishes funding from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund (AATF) for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) programs during a lapse in appropriations, allowing continuation of programs, projects, and activities—including Operations, Facilities and Equipment, Research, Engineering, and Development, and Grants-in-Aid for Airports—at the prior fiscal year's rate (per its regular appropriation act or continuing resolution). Funds are available from the first day of a lapse until the earlier of (1) enactment of the fiscal year's regular FAA appropriation or a continuing resolution or (2) 30 days after the lapse; such funding is subject to the prior year's terms and conditions, carries over if a lapse extends beyond fiscal year-end, and is charged against later appropriations when enacted. (Thus, the provision prevents FAA shutdowns during short-term lapses by tapping AATF balances funded by aviation user taxes.) The section amends IRC §9502(d)(1)(A) to authorize these expenditures and does not apply if another law provides or prohibits such funding.