HOUSE PASSES FAA REAUTHORIZATION BILL

Details: Published: July 09, 2013

WASHINGTON, DC - On May 21, the House passed the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2009 (H.R. 915) by a vote of 277-136. The bill, which contains many provisions critical to PASS members, authorizes $70 billion for the FAA through FY 2012 with $38.9 billion for FAA operations, $13.4 billion for facilities and equipment (F&E), $16.2 billion for the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), and $1.35 billion for research, engineering and development.

"The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2009 is well overdue and is the result of many hearings and consultation with all stakeholders in the aviation community," said Rep. Jerry Costello (D-Ill.), chair of the House Aviation Subcommittee. "I believe it is proactive legislation that leaves us well-positioned to make the technological changes necessary to keep our airspace the safest in the world. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House and Senate to get it signed into law."

"I cannot stress enough the importance of moving this legislation quickly as we are already almost two years behind schedule," added Rep. James Oberstar (D-Minn.), chair of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. "Airport development capital projects and key NextGen programs need the stability that a multi-year bill provides. Modernizing our air transportation system is a national priority. This bill provides historic funding levels to do just that."

Since introduction of the bill in February, PASS has worked with lawmakers to ensure the incorporation of language important to PASS members. As a result, the bill includes many critical provisions, including language regarding technician and inspector staffing, FAA modernization, and aviation safety oversight. Of particular importance, H.R. 915 incorporates binding arbitration before a neutral third party for contract disputes, which will provide for a fair collective bargaining process between the FAA and its unions. In addition, PASS was successful in blocking attempts to weaken the language regarding safety oversight of FAA-certificated foreign repair stations. The language in the bill requires that all certificated foreign repair stations be inspected at least twice a year by an FAA inspector and that all workers working on U.S. aircraft at foreign repair stations be drug and alcohol tested.

"PASS thanks Chairmen Oberstar and Costello for their leadership on this legislation and attention to the many issues significant to PASS members and aviation safety," said PASS National President Tom Brantley. "Their knowledge and dedication to protecting this country's aviation system provides much-needed support in Congress as we all work together to modernize the National Airspace System."

For more information or questions, please contact Kori Blalock Keller at (202) 293-7277 x110.

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For 36 years, PASS has represented more than 11,000 employees of the Federal Aviation Administration and the Department of Defense who install, maintain, support and certify air traffic control and national defense equipment, inspect and oversee the commercial and general aviation industries, develop flight procedures and perform quality analyses of the aviation systems. For more information, visit the PASS website at www.passnational.org.