Its been almost four years since the FAA has been able to engage in the kind of long-range planning most other federal agencies enjoy. Thats because the most-recent multi-year legislation authorizing its activities expired in 2007, forcing the agency into a situation where its been subject to a series of short-term 288
Taking Hostages
Its been almost four years since the FAA has been able to engage in the kind of long-range planning most other federal agencies enjoy. Thats because the most-recent multi-year legislation authorizing its activities expired in 2007, forcing the agency into a situation where its been subject to a series of short-term extensions-21 of them so far, as of this writing-to continue operating. Most recently, the agencys offices and employees tasked with airport construction, facilities modernization, and research and development, were forced to shut down when Congress failed to renew the latest extension.
Key Takeaways:
- The FAA has been forced to operate under a series of short-term extensions since 2007, leading to shutdowns, employee furloughs, and substantial financial losses, such as $1.3 billion in lost airline ticket tax revenue.
- These legislative stalemates and disruptions are primarily caused by politicians leveraging essential FAA funding bills to push unrelated political agendas, including cuts to the Essential Air Service program or changes to union voting rules.
- The article criticizes this political "hostage-taking" of the FAA's operations, arguing it is an irresponsible and costly way to manage the nation's vital air transportation system.
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