NATCA Bookshelf

ISSUE An authorization bill is a type of legislation used to authorize the activities of federal government agencies. Most importantly for NATCA, the FAA Reauthorization bill is the authorizing measure that establishes, continues, and/or modifies FAA programs and activities. The FAA is currently operating under an extension to its current authorization, which runs through July 15, 2016. This is the second extension that the FAA has faced since September 30, 2015 when the most recent long-term reauthorization, the FAA Modernization Act of 2012, expired. For years NATCA has voiced its concerns about the stop-and- go, unpredictable funding stream for the FAA. Our 24/7 aviation system has faced challenges caused by the 23 short-term extensions to FAA authorization prior to the 2012 authorization, such as a partial government shutdown, a complete government shutdown, as well as numerous threats for additional shutdowns and indiscriminate spending cuts in all budgets as mandated by sequestration. As an organization, NATCA has been proactively engaged in the process of examining proposals that would reform our nation's air traffic control system in a manner that would provide more funding stability while also maintaining workforce protections. MESSAGE NATCA has made clear that it will consider any and all reform proposals as long as they do not maintain the status quo, which is unacceptable, or result in a for-profit air traffic control system. That is why NATCA supports the House bill, H.R. 4441, which would provide a solution to the funding uncertainty, and is consistent with all of NATCA's principles, while simultaneously protecting our members and the unionized workforce. Any reform proposal must address NATCA's primary issues of concern, which are the following: • Ensure that NATCA members are fully protected; • Retain safety and efficiency as top priorities; • Provide for a stable, predictable funding stream that must adequately support air traffic control services, staffing, hiring and training, long-term modernization, preventative maintenance, and ongoing modernization to infrastructure; • Maintain a dynamic aviation system that continues to provide services to all segments of the aviation community, from commercial passenger carriers and cargo haulers to business jets and general aviation, at all major airports and small airports in rural areas. BACKGROUND Before the FAA Modernization Act of 2012 was enacted, there were 23 short-term FAA extensions over a five- year period. Each time an extension was about to lapse, there was the potential for another partial FAA shutdown and employee furloughs. NATCA has worked hard to address this type of funding uncertainty and it is one of the primary reasons why we must remain involved and engaged in this process. NATCA continues to push for reform to end the stop-and-go funding uncertainty, which has been problematic for the workforce and the NAS for far too long. The extension under which the FAA is currently operating provides time for the House and Senate to agree on a long-term FAA Reauthorization bill. NATCA has been working actively with the House Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee and the Senate Commerce Committee – both of which have jurisdiction over FAA Reauthorization legislation. Each committee has drafted and approved its own bill to reauthorize the FAA. HOUSE LEGISLATION H.R. 4441: Aviation, Innovation, Reform & Reauthorization Act "AIRR Act" NATCA supports T&I Committee Chairman Bill Shuster's long-term FAA Reauthorization legislation, which includes an air traffic control reform proposal to establish an independent, not-for-profit corporation outside of the federal government to serve as the future provider of air traffic control services within the NAS. NATCA also worked with T&I Ranking Member FULL BACKGROUND continued on next page 25

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