The House of Representatives has passed legislation extending short-term funding for the FAA through the end of this year. The previous extension expired yesterday. Any hopes for a long-term legislation are on hold, as the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2009 (passed by the House) awaits attention from the Senate Committee on Finance. That group of lawmakers has been stymied from addressing the tax elements of the finance legislation as it deals with the well publicized debate on health care reform. While short-term funding keeps the FAA doors open (allowing continued operation, tax collection and administration of the $1 billion Airport Improvement Program), long-term projects remain in limbo. The most profound of these is the air traffic control modernization program known popularly as NextGen.
FAA Funds in Place for Remainder of This Year
Key Takeaways:
- The House passed a short-term funding extension for the FAA through the end of the year, preventing immediate operational closure.
- Long-term FAA reauthorization legislation is stalled in the Senate Committee on Finance, which is currently preoccupied with health care reform.
- This delay leaves critical long-term projects, particularly the NextGen air traffic control modernization program, in limbo despite ongoing day-to-day FAA operations.
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