But Back Pay For Employees Furloughed In July Is Not Part Of Bill

The 22nd temporary extension of the FAA's funding which finally got agreement in the US Senate yesterday will avoid another debacle like July's layoff of 4,000 of the agency's employees. But to get a "clean" bill which wouldn't be delayed by controversy, a provision which would have provided back pay to those furloughed in July was dropped. The sponsor of that provision says he'll continue to push for a bipartisan, stand-alone bill to make things right with FAA workers.

“While I understand the Senate’s insistence for a straight-forward FAA extension, these workers were furloughed due to no fault of their own,” said Representative Frank LoBiondo, a New Jersey Republican. “They and their families experienced financial hardship due to Congress's inability to act. I continue to work with Speaker Boehner and House Transportation & Infrastructure Chairman Mica to make this situation right and ensure back pay legislation is considered by the House.”

FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt has continually expressed frustration over the failure of Congress to pass a long-term reauthorization bill to keep plans for NextGen Air Traffic Control and other long-term initiatives on track. The temporary extension passed yesterday keeps the FAA funded only through January of next year. Without the extension, another partial shutdown of the agency was looming tonight at midnight.

FMI: www.faa.gov