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 operating under a series of 21 short-term extensions since its multi-year authorization expired in 2007, preventing effective long-range planning.
- This legislative paralysis has led to partial shutdowns, furloughing 4,000 FAA employees and causing significant financial losses, including an estimated $1.3 billion in lost airline ticket tax revenue over a two-week period.
- Long-term FAA funding is being held hostage by unrelated political issues, such as attempts to cut the Essential Air Service (EAS) program for political leverage and debates over airline employee unionization rules.
- The author strongly criticizes these "sophomoric shenanigans" by politicians for prioritizing unrelated political agendas over the efficient operation and funding of the nation's air transportation system.
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