WASHINGTON, D.C. — The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee today approved a short-term extension of FAA programs, making it the 18th short-term extension for FAA reauthorization since 2007.
H.R. 1079, the “Airport and Airway Extension Act of 2011,” is a bipartisan bill to extend FAA funding and programs at current funding levels through May 31, 2011. This straightforward legislation to extend FAA programs another 60 days beyond the current authorization will provide additional time for Congress to take action on a fiscally responsible, multi-year FAA reauthorization bill, according to federal officials. The current extension — the 17th — is set to expire March 30.
In February, the committee approved the four-year FAA Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2011 (H.R. 658). The extension approved today is necessary in order to allow time for the House to consider the longer-term bill, according to officials. The multi-year bill reduces spending to fiscal year 2008 levels, and requires the FAA to identify savings in a manner that does not negatively impact aviation safety.
“The committee has finished its work on the long-term FAA reauthorization, and the other House committees with jurisdiction are considering their portions of the bill this week,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman John Mica (R-Fla.). “Since the earliest the House can take up that bill is the final week of this month, this extension is necessary to ensure aviation programs do not lapse.”
“This extension will keep our aviation programs funded through the end of May, and I have renewed confidence that, with the Senate having already passed its bill and our reauthorization headed to the floor in the next couple weeks, this should be our final extension,” said Aviation Subcommittee Chairman Tom Petri (R-Wis.). “I know the Senate is as eager as we are in the House to get a long-term reauthorization in place.”
Click here for more information on the measures considered during today’s markup, including views and estimates, the FAA extension bill, and H.R. 872, the “Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act of 2011.”
