Federal Aviation Administration Rejoices Re-authorization
Photo Courtesy of Associated Press
The short-term extension of the full-congressional passage funds FAA programs at current levels through September 2017. The legislation was passed by the Senate with a vote of 89-4.
National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) President and CEO Ed Bolen issued the statement below, following Senate passage of legislation extending funding and programs for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through Sept. 30, 2017.
The FAA’s current funding will expire on July 15. The House approved the same measure on July 11.
The extension bill includes several priorities advocated for by the general aviation community, while rejecting controversial proposals for creating a privatized air traffic control system, funded by user fees.
“Although a long-term FAA reauthorization bill that included important certification reforms would have been the best outcome in this debate, we commend House and Senate leaders for recognizing that resources must continue to be provided for the agency’s critical safety, infrastructure, modernization and other programs,” Bolen said. “This bipartisan, bicameral bill will ensure that the FAA has the resources it needs. We will continue working with House and Senate leaders on a reauthorization measure that can be approved with strong bipartisan support.”
Bolen especially noted the work of several congressional leaders on the FAA extension, including: Senate Commerce Committee Chairman John Thune (R-SD) and Ranking Member Bill Nelson (D-FL); the committee’s Aviation Subcommittee Chairwoman Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) and Ranking Member Maria Cantwell (D-WA); House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bill Shuster (R-9-PA) and Ranking Member Peter DeFazio (D-4-OR); and the committee’s Aviation Subcommittee Chairman Frank LoBiondo (R-2-NJ) and Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-2-WA).
The legislation now heads to President Obama for his signature.
