Members Of Both Chambers Hopeful It Will Be The Last

The U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday passed what they hope will be the final FAA Continuing Resolution, as members say a deal has been worked out for long-term funding for the agency.

But there is still work to be done, and the current short-term bill expires January 31st. House members approved what may be the final CR for short-term funding giving the bodies time to work out the final details on the long-term measure. The Senate is expected to follow suit before the end of the month.

The Associated Press reports that the two sided have reached a compromise on the labor issue which was the primary sticking point preventing passage of long-term funding for the FAA. The agency has been running on continuing resolutions since 2007, which only maintains funding at that year's appropriation level. Tuesday's continuing resolution is the 23rd to be passed since the last long term bill expired.

"After Speaker Boehner and Senator Reid reached agreement Friday on labor provisions to require unprecedented reform and increased oversight of the National Mediation Board (NMB), I agreed to bring up this extension to provide the time necessary to complete work on a few remaining issues and comply with notification requirements for considering legislation,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman John L. Mica (R-FL). “We must bring to conclusion a long-term FAA bill to help create jobs, modernize our nation’s aviation infrastructure and air traffic control system, and streamline and reform FAA programs as soon as possible.”

Still to be worked out in the long-term bill are specific funding levels, Essential Air Services, and other less-contentious issues. The Continuing Resolution passed Tuesday by the House gives lawmakers until February 17th to finish the long-term legislation.

FMI: www.house.gov