There Ya Go, Applying Logic To The Situation...

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) told ANN this week of an interesting exchange between a Congressional leader and DOT Secretary Mary Peters, regarding the Administration's contention they must establish user fees to achieve transformation of the national airspace system.

Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS) questioned Secretary Peters Thursday morning before the Senate Appropriations Committee, Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies. The Senator questioned the Secretary on her plans to implement user fees and significantly raise aviation fuel taxes.

He began by pointing out that the President's budget shows that the upcoming FAA reauthorization bill and its user fees and fuel tax scheme would raise LESS revenue than simply extending current law and tax rates. Administration budget documents show that between 2008 and 2012, the new user fee scheme will raise approximately $1 billion less than the current funding mechanism.

The Senator went on to ask, "How can you say your funding proposal is needed to modernize our nation's air traffic control system when you would raise less revenue over the next five years?"

GAMA President Pete Bunce told ANN he applauds such questions.

"I'm pleased to see that within days of the Administration releasing its budget, Members of Congress are asking tough questions about this ill-advised funding scheme," Bunce said. "We hope that more Members of Congress will challenge the Administration's rhetoric that our aviation system cannot be modernized without implementing user fees."

GAMA is an international trade association headquartered in Washington, DC representing over 50 of the world's leading manufacturers of general aviation aircraft, engines, avionics and related equipment.

FMI: www.gama.aero