Aerospace Industries Association
November 2009 Viewpoint
FAA Reauthorization Bill Continues to Face Hurdles, Seventh Extension and Counting…
By Marion C. Blakey
President and Chief Executive Officer
Aerospace Industries Association
The Federal Aviation Administration is operating under the seventh short-term extension of its program authority in two years. As a result, there has been no new funding for new programs. Congressional appropriations have been limited to existing projects. Continuing resolutions or “CRs” simply continue FAA funding at current levels. In my book, that would make it extremely difficult to effectively run what is the equivalent of a Fortune 500 company. Passing a multi-year reauthorization bill this year is critically important for an organization that is responsible for operating the largest air traffic control system in the world employing more than 45,000 highly trained government professionals. While the House passed an FAA bill earlier this year, the Senate version still needs a tax title before it can go to the floor for a vote.
As you know, the American economy is increasingly dependent upon the reliable air transport of products and people. Today, aviation helps to sustain more than 10 million jobs and contributes over $1 trillion in economic activity in the United States. Because of the current economic challenges facing our nation, it’s important to recognize the stimulative effect that passing an FAA Reauthorization bill and advancement of the Next Generation Air Transportation System will have on America’s aviation workforce and infrastructure.
Comprehensive reauthorization of the FAA will provide desperately needed funding for airport and airway system improvements that will help make aviation safer and more efficient, while creating or maintaining tens of thousands of U.S. jobs. Investments in our national airspace infrastructure will enable the U.S. aviation system to improve its already enviable safety record as well as increase capacity. Such investment can only be made through a comprehensive authorization package, which could happen this year if congressional leaders make it a priority.
The strength of our aviation system and the ability to meet future demands is dependent upon the federal government's success in meeting its obligations to provide a consistent regulatory process, and adequate infrastructure. A critical step in meeting those obligations is for the Senate to advance a comprehensive, multi-year bill that will help provide the resources necessary to help our country meet the demands being placed on the aviation system.
The entire aviation community stands united in its recognition of the importance of enacting multi-year FAA reauthorization legislation.
We look forward to working with both chambers in completing the FAA reauthorization process to ensure our nation’s aviation system can safely expand in an efficient and environmentally sustainable manner.
