A publication of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association
Issue link: http://natca.uberflip.com/i/727662
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT CONGRESSIONAL SCHEDULE : Congress has until the end of this month to pass legislation to provide funding for the federal government in order to avoid a governm ent shutdown. The Senate could leave town as early as this week if the chamber passes a short - term stopgap and sends it to the House for consideration. More details on that below. As a reminder, lawmakers are expected to recess as soon as a funding bill ge ts passed so they can campaign for re - election in advance of the November 8 elections. REACHING CONSENSUS ON GOVERNMENT FUNDING : Sept . 30th marks the end of the fiscal year and new legislation must be enacted to provide funding beyond that date. As we ha ve mentioned, we do not believe a shutdown is likely to occur, but we can never rule out the possibility and as the deadline nears it could become more likely. The outline of a spending plan that would avoid a government shutdown next month is beginning to emerge. It is becoming more likely that both chambers will agree on a short - term stopgap measure, known as a Continuing Resolution (CR) would fund the government until December. This measure most likely to be used would fund the federal government at exi sting funding levels for all agencies into early December. It is important to remember that Congress will need to provide funding for the federal government again in December if this is the route they take. At this point, Congress is facing three "funding crises" in the next six or so months: (1) the upcoming Sept . 30 deadline to avoid a government shutdown; (2) the proposed Dec . 9th shutdown to either continue the CR or craft a new spending deal; and (3) the debt ceiling deadline in March 2017. More updat es to follow on the Sept . 30th negotiations. What's Next: While a CR is better than a shutdown (see below for more information on how this unstable funding impacts NATCA), NATCA would prefer to see funding numbers match the Transportation, Housing and Urb an Development (THUD) appropriations bills approved by the House Appropriations Committee and the full Senate, respectively. Each of those bills would provide adequate funding levels that NATCA advocated for throughout the appropriations process, as oppos ed to simply continuing current funding levels. Because of that, GA staff is raising the volume on the THUD funding levels in the event that the House and Senate need to negotiate new spending in December. NATCA Impact : As you know, the Federal Aviation A dministration (FAA) has faced an unstable, unpredictable funding stream over the years that have negatively affected all aspects of the FAA. Short - term funding measures have become the norm. Unfortunately, years of relying on CRs makes it difficult for the FAA to fulfill its obligations. Further, a government shutdown would worsen the situation, by shuttering the FAA and causing irreparable damage. A government shutdown would slow the training process for new air traffic controllers, halt important mainten ance of the air traffic control system, hurt employee morale, and further delay the FAA's implementation of new technology and procedures. While NATCA supports funding to avoid a government shutdown, we've continuously reminded members of Congress about th e negative impact of stop - and - go funding. GA staff will meet extensively with lawmakers and their staff during the month of September to continue these conversations. LAME DUCK CONGRESS : A "lame duck Congress" describes the period between the November ele ctions and the beginning of the next Congressional session in January.