A publication of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association
Issue link: http://natca.uberflip.com/i/617391
On December 10, 2015 , NATCA requested a briefing on the IT Remote Access and Limited Non - Business Internet Access. We are currently waiting for a response from the Agency regarding our request. NATCA POCs: Labor Relations Representative Melinda Kim, Labor Relations Attorney Suzanne DeFelice, and Labor Relation s Coordinator Kendal Manson . On December 10, 2015 , NATCA requested a briefing on FAA Order JO 7110.65W, Air Traffic Control. We are currently waiting for a response from the Agency regarding our request. NATCA POCs: Labor Relations Representative Melinda Ki m, Labor Relations Attorney Suzanne DeFelice, and Labor Relations Coordinator Kendal Manson . SURVEYS NATCA recommends participation in the Federal Organiza tional Climate Survey (FEOCS). If you have any questions, please contact Labor Relations Coordinator Kendal Manson at kmanson@natcadc.org . GOVERNMENT AFFAI RS DEPARTMENT CONGRESSIONAL SCHEDULE : The House and Senate were both in session during the week of Dec. 7. Both chambers are scheduled to be in session until December 18 before recessing for the holidays and concluding the 2015 session of Congress, but co ntinuous stalls in the negotiations on a final spending bill may keep members of Congress in t own leading up to the holidays. STILL AWAITING SPENDING BILL : Government funding for Fiscal Year (FY) 2016 provided through the temporary Continuing Resolutio n (CR) expired on Dec . 11. Congress was unable to pass an omnibus by that time, so another short - term Continuing Resolution (CR) was passed to prevent a government shutdown. The House and Senate both passed a CR (HR 2250) to extend for five days FY 2016 go vernment funding while negotiators continue to seek a compromise on the larger omnibus funding bill. Leadership in the House hopes that this will give members time to review a final Fiscal Year (FY) 2016 omnibus spending bill before voting on it. Numerous issues such as Syrian refugees, healthcare, and funding for Planned Parenthood have complicated discussions on government funding. Omnibus vs. CR : A stopgap, known as a CR, would maintain current funding levels at the FAA but would only provide authority for projects already in existence. This would not allow the Agency to plan ahead and work on any new projects. If negotiators are unable to settle partisan policy disputes, a CR would buy lawmakers extra time to reach a broader agreement. An omnibus is a type of spending bill that combines many of the smaller, regular appropriations bill s into one larger, single bill. By passing an omnibus versus a CR, the FAA would be given the opportunity to act on current priorities and have the ability to make changes to their budget lines. The Senate - passed Military Construction - Veterans Affairs (Mil - Con VA) FY 2016 spending bill has been expected to serve as a "shell" for a larger omnibus bill, which would effectively combine appropriations bills and provide funding for the entire federal government. If lawmakers can settle some disputes but not others, they could resort to a measure known as a "cromnibus," whi ch is part omnibus and part CR. Government shutdown still possible : A government shutdown was avoided on December 11 because Congress and the President enacted a short - term CR to keep the lights on in Washington, D.C. However, even though the President sig ned into law the