PASS Statement on Passage of FAA Reauthorization Bill

Details: Published: July 13, 2016

Today, the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists, AFL-CIO, the union that represents over 11,000 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) employees, is praising lawmakers for passing FAA reauthorization legislation that does not privatize the air traffic control system. The bill, which was passed by the House on Monday and the Senate today, is expected to be signed by the president prior to July 15, the date the current extension is set to expire.

“For months now, PASS has been emphasizing that the United States has the safest, largest and most efficient aviation system in the world, and that privatizing that system would only introduce an unnecessary level of risk and uncertainty,” said Mike Perrone, PASS national president. “PASS, along with other FAA unions and industry groups, worked to ensure privatization language was not included in the final legislation.”

The legislation extends authorization for the agency through September 2017 and provides several safety and security reforms as well as consumer protection provisions. “Even as PASS celebrates this victory, we remain steadfast in our commitment to continue fighting against privatization and in favor of legislation that supports the safety and continued modernization of the National Airspace System,” said Perrone. “We look forward to working with lawmakers next year to secure a long-term FAA reauthorization bill.”

For more information or questions, please contact Jessica Cigich at 202.293.7277.