Action Alert: Sunday Update: Deal on Broad Coronavirus Relief Package Reportedly Close at Hand

Late last night, House and Senate leaders negotiating a final $900 billion coronavirus relief package indicated that they are nearing a final agreement, which they hope will soon clear the way for passage of a combined coronavirus relief and government spending package.  Nothing is certain at this point. But we're picking up signals from our contacts on Capitol Hill that the final package may include some much-needed funding for airports.
 
With federal funding scheduled to expire at midnight tonight, some lawmakers continue to hold out hope that a final agreement can be cemented, legislative text can be finalized, and House and Senate votes can occur before that deadline, but others are indicating that another short-term extension of federal funding may be required while everything is finalized. House Leadership has told members to be prepared to vote today and indicated that votes could occur late this evening.   
 
The status of airport funding remains uncertain, and we won't know exactly how we have fared until final text is released, which could come as soon as the next few hours. As we mentioned yesterday, a plan was circulating on Capitol Hill on Friday and Saturday to zero out $4 billion that a bipartisan and bicameral group of lawmakers had proposed for airports. Although we have yet to see details on the final agreement, it appears that we have been making progress on our efforts to claw back at least some of that critical funding.
 
While the transportation portion of the agreement is reportedly 'locked down,' we urge you to remain vigilant and to stay tuned for further potential calls to action. With so much still in flux, we must remain ready to ring phones on Capitol Hill quickly. And, it never hurts to keep checking in with your delegation on where things stand or to remind them of the urgent need to include airport funding in a final package.  
 
It is clear that airport calls and communications have had a big impact over the past 36 hours. Numerous offices, including leadership, made clear to us throughout the day yesterday and this morning that they have heard loud and clear from airports and that efforts have been made to restore at least a portion of the funding that was suddenly diverted to highways and state DOTs on Friday. We sincerely appreciate the concerted effort that many of you have made over the weekend to weigh in with your elected officials.  
 
Regardless of the final outcome, airports will need additional support moving forward. The package that is being negotiated now is viewed as a bridge to provide critical help through the end of March 2021. A new Congress and a new President will set to work early in 2021 to provide additional relief, and we will be there early fighting to gain additional support for airports.  
 
Stay tuned for further updates, potential calls to action, and details on a final coronavirus and government spending package. Thanks again for your support.