A publication of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association
Issue link: http://natca.uberflip.com/i/797457
The latest hearing was March 8, titled, "Air Transportation in the United States in the 21st Century." Thi s hearing focused on the current state of the U.S. air transportation industry as well as the challenges and opportunities associated with building and maintaining a globally competitive 21st century aviation system. More hearings will be announced in the upcoming weeks, and GA staff will keep you updated. Executive Branch: Sens. Jerry Moran (R - KS) and Amy Klobuchar (D - MN) sent a letter to U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao requesting to start a formal dialogue among aviation stakeholders on aviati on issues, including air traffic control reform. On March 2, FAA Administrator Michael Huerta reiterated his openness to discussing options to improve the air traffic system while speaking at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce ' s aviation summit. The Administrato r emphasized his interest in a "steady and reliable funding source." Congress : Appropriators continue to express concern about efforts to remove air traffic control operations from the FAA, particularly on the Senate side, as made evident by a recent let ter sent by Senate Appropriations Chairman Thad Cochran (R - MI), Vice Chairman Patrick Leahy (D - VT), Transportation Subcommittee Chair Susan Collins (R - ME) , and Ranking Member Jack Reed (D - RI). The letter was sent Feb. 28 to Senate Commerce Committee Chairm an John Thune (R - SD) and Ranking Member Bill Nelson (D - FL) expressing concerns about air traffic control reform. NATCA Impact : NATCA has played a critical role in the FAA Reauthorization process. During the 114th Congress, NATCA supported Chairman Shuste r's proposal (H.R. 4441; the AIRR Act) to reform air traffic control and provide a stable, predictable funding stream. We look forward to continue to work with the committees of jurisdiction in the House and Senate, as well as with the executive branch, to ensure that NATCA's priorities are addressed in any FAA Reauthorization legislation. While no legislation has been introduced yet during the 115th Congress, NATCA will closely scrutinize any proposal to ensure it meets the priorities of our members. FY 18 BUDGET On Feb. 27, the White House sent its initial budget guidance to federal agencies, outlining a $54 billion increase in defense spending and corresponding reductions to most non - security agencies. The president is proposing a 10 percent increase i n defense spending and funding bumps for national security - related efforts. That will mean that reductions of tens of billions of dollars are expected to come from agencies including the Environmental Protection Agency and the State Department. The full bu dget outline from President Trump is expected on March 16, and Democrats are already vowing to oppose the plan. GA staff will closely review the president's budget and provide further updates. NATCA Impact : While the Administration's budget does not have the force of law, it serves as a blueprint for Congress to work on the 12 appropriations bills. NATCA will analyze any budget proposal closely to determine any potential impact on NATCA member pay and benefits. GA continues to work with members of Congres s and their staff on this issue. APPROPRIATIONS FORECAST The government is currently operating a continuing resolution (CR) funding measure (P.L. 114 - 254) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2017 that is set to expire on April 28. Due to the