A publication of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association
Issue link: http://natca.uberflip.com/i/579691
expected to pass the CR Tuesday night and send it to the House for a vote. If passed by both chambers a nd signed by the President, the CR would fund the government until December 11, 2015, giving Congress time to work on a longer - term solution. Sequestration in the CR : The Senate has included a rescission in the clean CR so that the funding numbers are bel ow the caps set by sequestration. According to Hill staffers and the FAA, the rescission will not have a significant effect on FAA operations and should not have any major implications for the FAA, according to the Agency. This means that if H.R. 719 passe s both chambers and is signed into law, no sequestration cuts would be triggered on October 1. Protecting Federal Employees During a Shutdown : On September 15, Sen. Cardin (D - MD) introduced a bill that would provide compensation for federal employees who a re affected by a lapse in appropriations (a.k.a. a shutdown). On the House side, Reps. Don Beyer (VA - 8) and Wittman (VA - 1) are expected to introduce legislation that would guarantee any workers who are furloughed or continue working during a shutdown would receive retroactive pay. After the last shutdown in October 2013, NATCA along with other members of the Federal Employees Coalition lobbied extensively on the issue and federal employees were eventually awarded backpay after Congress passed a measure to a pprove retroactive pay. However, that process was challenging and left federal employees uncertain if they would get paid. ACTION ALERT : Last Friday, we put out an action alert explaining our opposition to a government shutdown and urging members of Congre ss to vote for a CR. The National Legislative Committee (NLC) was instrumental in getting the word out to our members, who participated in great numbers, as usual. As always, legislators need to hear from their constituents about things that matter most. W e thank everyone who participated and sent an alert to their member of Congress. Here is a link to the alert. FAA Extension : On Monday, September 28, th e House approved a stand - alone FAA Reauthorization, H.R. 3614 (the Airport and Airway Extension Act of 2015) by voice vote under suspension of the rules extension. This legislation would extend authorization for the FAA for the next 6 months, until March 3 1, 2016. As you know, the FAA's authorization is set to expire on October 1 since Congress has not enacted a new FAA Reauthorization bill. The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration, where it is expected to pass without objection via unanimous cons ent on Tuesday night. This legislation would extend the FAA's ability to collect aviation taxes, including those on passengers, cargo and fuel, to fund its activities. Revenue from those taxes is deposited in the Airport and Airway Trust Fund. The FAA also could continue to spend money from the trust fund for six months. SEQUESTRATION UPDATE : Many had hoped that a comprehensive year - end deal could accomplish several goals, including lifting sequester - level spending caps, raising the debt limit, and renewi ng temporary tax code provisions. However, at this time it seems unlikely to happen unless departing House Speaker Boehner (R - OH) pushes something for a vote at the last minute before he departs as Speaker. As you know, sequestration has been used as a too l to reduce the federal budget, and in 2013, the measure drastically cut the FAA budget and caused furloughs at the FAA. Sequestration cuts could have been triggered on October 1, but the CR, as currently written, avoids any significant sequestration cuts through December 11, the duration of the CR. NATCA is continuing to work with members of Congress and their respective staffs on this issue and reminding them of the affect it had on the aviation system in 2013, and making clear that if sequestration cuts are implemented, the cuts will be larger than in 2013. We will keep you updated on these important issues.