A publication of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association
Issue link: http://natca.uberflip.com/i/698751
On June 22, 2016, NATCA requested a briefing on Human Resources Operating Instruction (HROI ), Testing Processes and Procedures for Filli ng Entry - Level ATCS Positions. We are currently in the process of scheduling this briefing. POCs: Assistant Director of Labor Relations Nicole Vitale and Labor Rela tions Coordinator Kendal Manson. On June 22, 2016 , NATCA requested a briefing on Organizational Changes within the Office of the Chief Counsel (AG C). We are currently in the process of scheduling this briefing. POCs: Assistant Director of Labor Relations Nicole Vitale and Labor Relations Coordinator Kendal Manson . GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT CONGRESSIONAL SCHEDULE : The House is in recess for the week of June 27, while the Senate is in session. The clock is ticking as Congress gets closer to its scheduled summer recess starting July 15. As a remi nder, FAA authority expires on July 15 and we will need a reauthorization or extension to avoid a partial - shutdown at the Agency. NATCA URGES SUPPORT FOR H.R. 5292 : Following NATCA's annual lobby week, "NATCA in Washington," activists and Government Affa irs staff have urged members of Congress to support and cosponsor H.R. 5292, the Air Traffic Controller Hiring Improvement Act of 2016. So far, there are over 205 bipartisan cosponsors on this legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives. As you know, during a recent hearing in the House Transportation and Infrastructure's (T&I) Subcommittee on Aviation, titled "A Review of Federal Aviation Administration's Air Traffic Controller Hiring, Staffing, and Training Plans," NATCA President Paul Rinaldi explai ned that the staffing situation has reached a crisis level. Rinaldi outlined several recommendations, including increasing annual hiring tot als and passage of H.R. 5292. H.R. 5292 MARK - UP POSTPONED : The T&I Committee originally planned to consider H.R. 529 2 during markup on Thursday, June 23. However, the markup was postponed due to a change in the House schedule. The House recessed early and will not return until Tuesday, July 5 when a path forward on H.R. 5292 will be clearer. Chairman Shuster and Ranking Member DeFazio support H.R. 5292 and we hope the Committee will move forward and approve the legislation. BACKGROUND : H.R. 5292 was introduced by Reps. Carlos Curbelo (R - FL - 26) and Sean Patrick Maloney (D - NY - 18) and would improve the hiring of air traffic controllers by streamlining the process and ensuring a path for Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) students and military Veterans. So far, the bill has achieved broad, bipartisan support with over 205 cosponsors split almost evenly between Democrats and Republicans. Click here to view the more information about H.R. 5292, titled "Air Traffic Controller Hiring Im provement Act of 2016." FAA DEADLINE LOOMING : Congress will have two weeks to reauthorize authority for the FAA, which is due by July 15. Details will likely be finalized during the House recess this week. The sense is that the House and Senate will agre e to try to move an extension with some policy riders on it. NATCA has been working with our relevant committees in the House and Senate on the extension. We expect to be able to share more detailed information later this week.