Fri, Feb 18, 2011
Allocates $59.7 Billion, Requires Administrator To Identify
Savings
The FAA Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2011 (HR 658) approved
by a vote of 34 to 25 in the House Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure Wednesday is being called a "job-creating, fiscally
responsible bill which saves $4 billion."
Congressman John Mica
Committee chair John Mica (R-FL) said the savings are
accomplished by streamlining and consolidating FAA programs and
facilities, increasing the use of cost effective programs, and
responsibly increasing the role of the private sector in facility
operations. “The federal government must do more with less,
and this bill does just that by requiring the FAA to identify
savings in a manner that does not negatively impact aviation
safety," Mica said. "Our aviation system is critical to the U.S.
economy, and this bill ensures that the nation’s aviation
industry remains vital and competitive.”
“The last reauthorization was in 2003, and that expired in
2007,” said Aviation Subcommittee Chairman Tom Petri (R-WI).
“Since then, we have had a series of 17 extensions. That's no
way to run a vital federal agency. The House passed reauthorization
bills in the past two congresses, but didn’t reach agreement
with the Senate. Getting this bill enacted into law will provide
needed certainty and consistent funding for more efficient and
effective investment. We are in a difficult budget environment and
can't do everything we want to right now, but we need to get on
with the things we can and must do.”
Five labor-oriented Democratic amendments failed on recorded
votes, including an amendment to strike the National Mediation
Board rule change provision. A manager’s amendment offered by
Chairman Mica passed by voice vote.
Among the key provisions included in the FAA Reauthorization and
Reform Act of 2011 as passed by the committee:
- Four-year bill, covering fiscal years 2011 to 2014, with
overall funding level of $59.7 billion.
- Bill provides approximately $4 billion in savings compared to
current funding levels. It requires the FAA Administrator to
identify significant cost savings without cutting any safety
critical activities.
- In accordance with the House Republican moratorium, the bill
contains no earmarks.
- Creates and protects more than 600,000 U.S. jobs over four
years, according to estimates.
- Overall funding levels are set at the FY08 appropriations
levels for the remainder of FY 2011 and beginning in full in FY
2012.
- For NextGen, the bill streamlines processes and provides
funding for priority NextGen air traffic control modernization
projects planned in the next four years. Sets deadlines and metrics
for better measurement of NextGen progress and to ensure more
effective cost management.
- Allows for expansion of the cost effective contract tower
program, which allows airports to utilize privately operated, more
efficient control towers (under FAA contract, regulation and
supervision). Creates the potential to save approximately $400
million over four years.
- Sets up a process for the consolidation of aging, obsolete and
unnecessary FAA facilities, which will result in significant
savings.
- Institutes a risk-based approach to inspections of foreign
repair stations in a manner that protects U.S. jobs and respects
bilateral agreements. Previous Democrat proposals would have cost
jobs and invited retaliation from other nations.
- Phases out funding and sunsets the Essential Air Service (EAS)
Program, providing savings of approximately $400 million over four
years.
- Does not include an increase in airport Passenger Facility
Charges.
- Includes binding arbitration for air traffic controllers and
other FAA employees to resolve labor impasses.
- Repeals unionization election rule changes implemented in May
2010 to again ensure that a majority of a workforce must vote in
favor of union representation.
- Includes compromise language on slots at Reagan National
Airport that increases beyond perimeter slots by 10 without
increasing the total number of operations at the airport.
The bill also omits controversial provisions that have stopped
previous FAA bills from moving forward and becoming law:
- Does not contain antitrust immunity sunset.
- Does not contain ban on cell phones.
- Does not contain PFC for bike storage at airports.
- Does not contain the controversial FedEx provision.
The bill goes next to the Committee on Ways and Means before it
can proceed to the full House for a vote.
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