A publication of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association
Issue link: http://natca.uberflip.com/i/679314
On May 3, 2016 , NATCA requested a briefing on Revised Federal Investigative Standards (FIS). We are currently waiting for a response from the Agency regarding our request. NATCA POCs: Director of Labor Relations Ryan Smith, Assistant Director of Labor Relations Erina Hammond, and Labor Relations Coordinator Kendal Manson . SURVEYS NATCA recommends participation in the 2016 ATO Safety Culture Survey . If you have any questions, please contact Kendal Manson, Labor Relations Coordinator, at kmanson@natcadc.org . GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT CONGRESSIONAL SCHEDULE : Both the House and Sena te were in recess the week of May 2nd and are returning to session the week of May 9th. WHAT'S NEXT FOR FAA REAUTHORIZATION ? House Transportation & Infrastructure (T&I) Committee Chairman Bill Shuster, fresh off a primary win on April 26th, has shifted hi s focus back to FAA Reauthorization. He will need a few more weeks to decide on his strategy for a long - term FAA reauthorization bill, but we are looking at the potential of some hearings in June, potentially on the issue of staffing and hiring of air traf fic controllers. Meanwhile, Senate Commerce, Science , and Transportation Committee Chairman John Thune is stressing the need for a full, long - term FAA reauthorization bill instead of another short - term extension. As you know, the current FAA extension expi res on July 15. Chairman Shuster has shown no sign of abandoning his plan (H.R. 4441; the AIRR Act), which NATCA supports. However, he has had trouble rallying support for the idea from both Republicans and Democrats alike. As a reminder, the Senate passed H.R. 636 earlier in April, which would reauthorize the FAA through Fiscal Year 2017. Possible Outcomes: A few of the possible paths forward include: 1) no long - term FAA reauthorization legislation moves forward, so both chambers will need to pass another FAA extension; 2) the House passes a less - controversial bill, without the air traffic control reform proposal, and proceeds to conference that legislation with the Senate - passed bill; or 3) Chairman Shuster continues to push for consideration of H.R. 4441 and attempts to garner the support necessary to bring it to the House floor for a vote. Either way, we expect Chairman Shuster and his staff to raise the volume on the issue. Background : A short - term extension (H.R. 4721) is currently in place to extend av iation programs and excise taxes through July 15. In April, the Senate passed its version of long - term FAA reauthorization legislation, which would only reauthorize the FAA through Fiscal Year 2017. In the House, the T&I Committee approved H.R. 4441 back i n February, which includes air traffic control reform, but that legislation has yet to come to the House floor for a vote. House Democrats are unified in their opposition against separating ATC from government, and the Republican caucus has yet to get in l ine behind the proposal with many members of Congress still opposed to the issue, most notably including members on the Appropriations and Ways & Means Committees, as well as members of the Freedom Caucus.