Senate Still To Consider The Bill

The U.S. House of Representatives passed an extension of the FAA Authorization bill to continue spending at FY2009 levels until December 31st, as the Senate continues to consider the long-term reauthorization bill. The short term funding must still be agreed to by the Senate as well.

The online publication MinnPost.com reports that both the majority and minority leaders of the House Transportation Committee, Jim Oberstar, (D-MD) and John Mica (R-FL) expressed dissatisfaction with the Senate for not passing the long-term bill by the end of the fiscal year. The House passed the long-term reauthorization back in May. 

Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA) President Greg Principato expressed appreciation for the passage of a three-month extension of the FAA authorization that will expire on Dec. 31st. The House found the extension necessary as the FAA's authority to spend funds in the Airport and Airways Trust Fund expires at the end of the month. 

ACI-NA President Greg Principato issued the following statement on the matter:

"ACI-NA applauds Chairman James Oberstar, Rep. Jerry Costello, and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for taking this important step, and looks forward to continuing to work with both the House and the Senate for enactment of a multi-year FAA reauthorization bill this year.  It is critical, though, that this be the last short-term extension and that a multi-year reauthorization of the FAA is passed this year as it provides an important step forward in obtaining the NextGen air transportation system, enhances passenger rights and airline safety, and provides resources-such as Passenger Facility Charge (PFC)-that fund important safety and security infrastructure projects."

FMI: http://aci-na.org/, www.house.gov