Passes Out Of House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee

The National Business Aviation Association lauded the passage by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee of a bill that would maintain continued operations of the FAA and the nation’s air traffic control system in the event of future government shutdowns.

The Aviation Funding Solvency Act, H.R. 6086, co-sponsored by committee Chair Sam Graves (R-6-MO) and Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-02-WA), in addition to Aviation Subcommittee Chair Troy Nehls (R-22-TX) and Ranking Member Andre Carson (D-7-IN), was passed by the panel with wide bipartisan support.

The legislation would permit the FAA to draw funds from the Aviation Insurance Revolving Fund to keep the FAA operating during shutdowns.

Ed Bolen, President and CEO Of NBAA said, “We thank Chairman Graves, Ranking Member Larsen and the committee for advancing this legislation to ensure that controllers remain focused on their duties, and we prevent operational disruptions to aviation safety and system reliability.”

In a letter sent to the committee on December 16, Bolen pointed out that the continued safe, efficient, efficient aviation system operations are a national imperative, highlighting the pivotal role of general aviation in the nation’s economic and transportation systems.

Bolen added, “General aviation supports 1.2 million jobs and $340 billion in annual economic impact.” He also explained that a lapse in federal funding for FAA operations puts at risk the sector’s diverse range of mission types, and the resulting benefits to citizens, companies and communities nationwide.

FMI:  nbaa.org/