The U.S. FAA and other government agencies are continuing to run under another stopgap measure that the U.S. Congress passed late last week. Unable to reach agreement on government funding by the end of the fiscal year on September 30, lawmakers agreed to a two-and-a-half month funding extension for most government agencies, including the FAA. Lawmakers were forced to turn to a second extension, this time through December 16, after they still had no agreement in hand when the first extension expired on December 11.

"While I had hoped that we would be done by this point, there are still many moving pieces,” said Appropriations Committee chairman Hal Rogers (R-Ky.). “It is my hope and expectation that the final omnibus legislation will be completed by this new deadline.” Lawmakers are believed close to a deal on a government-wide omnibus spending bill. The legislation is expected to be introduced either today or tomorrow, in time for passage by both chambers before the latest extension expires on Wednesday.