PASS Statement on Senate Version of FAA Reauthorization Legislation
- Details
- Published: March 10, 2016
Bill Does Not Include Language to Privatize the Air Traffic Control System
Today, the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists, AFL-CIO (PASS), the union that represents systems specialists and inspectors at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), is encouraged that the Senate version of the FAA reauthorization legislation (S.2658) does not include language that would privatize the country’s air traffic control system.
As opposed to the House version of the bill (H.R.4441), the Senate version, which was introduced yesterday by Senate Commerce, Science & Transportation Committee Chair John Thune (R-S.D.), Ranking Member Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), Aviation Subcommittee Chair Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.) and Ranking Member Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), does not seek to privatize any portion of the FAA. PASS is encouraged that lawmakers are recognizing the need to keep our aviation system a function of the U.S. government.
“On behalf of all PASS members, I want to thank Senators Thune, Nelson, Ayotte and Cantwell for their leadership on this issue and their efforts to protect this country’s aviation system,” said PASS National President Mike Perrone. “The federal employees of the FAA are dedicated to ensuring the safety and efficiency of our air traffic control system. The system must continue to be operated for the public’s benefit.”
The Senate version of the FAA reauthorization legislation includes additional elements that will benefit the aviation system. Among these is language addressing inspector staffing issues, providing access to modern methods of training for FAA systems specialists and inspectors, increasing oversight of work done at foreign repair stations, and streamlining the certification process.
“PASS will continue to work to oppose privatization of the air traffic control system,” said Perrone. “The United States has the largest, safest and most complex aviation system in the world. Severing air traffic control from the federal government is a risky—and unnecessary—undertaking. Let’s not gamble with one of our country’s greatest assets.”
For more information or questions, please contact Jessica Cigich at 202.293.7277.