The Senate’s inaction on FAA reauthorization has prompted a coalition of aviation groups to lobby lawmakers to get to work. In a letter to all members of the Senate, the groups stress “the importance of passing a comprehensive, multi-year reauthorization of the FAA.”
“The recent passage of the seventh extension in the last two years highlights how critically overdue this important legislation has become,” the letter says. “Aviation helps to sustain over 10 million jobs and contributes over $1 trillion in economic activity in the United States. Because of the current economic challenges facing our nation, we feel it is important to recognize the stimulative effect that passing an FAA Reauthorization bill will have on America’s aviation workforce and the aviation infrastructure.
“A comprehensive reauthorization of the FAA would 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,” the letter continues. “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 has been hamstrung by a series of extensions dating back to Sept. 30, 2007.
“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 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.”
Organizations that signed the letter are:
- Aerospace Industries Association
- Air Carrier Association of America
- Air Line Pilots Association
- Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association
- Airport Consultants Council
- Airports Council International-North America
- American Association of Airport Executives
- American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials
- American Council of Engineering Companies
- American Road and Transportation Builders Association
- American Society of Civil Engineers
- American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees
- Association of Flight Attendants – CWA
- Assoc. of Metropolitan Planning Organizations.
- Cargo Airlines Association
- General Aviation Manufacturers Association
- Institute of Electric and Electronics
- Engineers-USA
- International Air Transport Association
- International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers
- International Union of Operating Engineers
- National Air Traffic Controllers Association
- National Air Transportation Association
- National Aircraft Resale Association
- National Association of Counties
- National Association of Regional Councils
- National Assoc. of State Aviation Officials
- National Business Aviation Association
- National League of Cities
- National Sand, Stone and Gravel Association
- Portland Cement Association
- Professional Aviation Maintenance Association
- Professional Aviation Safety Specialists
