NATCA Bookshelf

ISSUE An authorization bill is a type of legislation used to authorize the activities of the various agencies that are part of the federal government. Most importantly for NATCA, the FAA Reauthorization bill is the authorizing measure that establishes, continues, and/ or modifies FAA programs and activities. The current FAA Authorization expires on September 30, 2015. MESSAGE The upcoming FAA Reauthorization bill must address the lack of a predictable, stable funding stream for a safety-focused 24/7 operational system. We understand that addressing stop-and-go funding problems may lead to an examination of potential structural changes for the FAA. Any such structural change must be carefully examined to prevent unintended consequences from negatively affecting other aspects of the system. NATCA's priority is to establish a stable, predictable funding stream and ensure that we can continue to safeguard the world's best air traffic control system during any transition. BACKGROUND The last FAA Reauthorization bill was delayed over five years with 23 extensions before finally being signed into law in February 2012. During that time, NATCA faced a partial shutdown of the FAA, multiple threats of a complete shutdown of the FAA, and continuous funding uncertainty. The current authorization for the FAA expires at the end of September 2015, and Congress has begun its initial work to draft the reauthorization. However, with many in Congress seeking to use the FAA Reauthorization as a platform for significant structural changes to the FAA, we anticipate the process may be lengthy and complicated. NATCA has been working actively with the House Transportation and Infrastructure Commiee and the Senate Commerce Commiee — both of which have jurisdiction over FAA Reauthorization — as they prepare to draft the legislation for the next FAA Reauthorization. FULL BACKGROUND n i w . n a t c a . n e t MAY 18-20, 2015 21

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