Chairman Bill Shuster’s (R-PA) 21st Century Aviation Innovation, Reform, and Reauthorization Act (AIRR Act) was approved by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee last week with a 32-25 vote, and it will now move on to a vote on the House floor. It’s a significant step forward for Shuster’s push for ATC privatization, as his similar 2016 bill failed to pass committee, and some of his previous opponents now support this new version. Most notably, House General Aviation Caucus Co-Chairman Rep. Sam Graves (R-Mo.) is co-sponsoring the AIRR Act after voting against Shuster’s 2016 effort.
ATC Privatization Continues to Find Opposition Among Aviation Groups and Politicians
Key Takeaways:
- The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved the AIRR Act, proposing to privatize air traffic control (ATC) by transferring it to a non-profit corporation.
- This House bill faces strong opposition from numerous general aviation groups and some lawmakers, who fear it will create an unregulated private monopoly and harm general aviation.
- Conversely, the Senate's FAA Reauthorization Act, which excludes ATC privatization, advanced simultaneously and is supported by the same general aviation groups opposing the House bill.
- Proponents of the House bill include Airlines for America, NATCA, and ALPA, despite the widespread general aviation opposition.
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