A publication of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association
Issue link: http://natca.uberflip.com/i/806148
On March 16, the White House released its "skinny budget," outlining its priorities for Fiscal Year 20l8. As expected, the budget calls for an increase in defense spending, offset by a decrease in discretionary spend ing. In order to avoid any cuts to entitlements (Social Security and Medicare), the Administration has instead opted to take funding from agencies including the State Department and the Environmental Protection Agency, among many others. Specific to NATCA, the budget proposal included guidance for the Department of Transportation: while short on details, it included support for air traffic control reform. Click here for NATCA President Paul Rinaldi's statement on the President's FY 18 budget proposal, where it is reiterated that NATCA continues to seek a stable, predictable funding stream for the NAS. Next Steps: The budget proposal received lukewarm reception from Republicans on Capitol Hill, and all - out opposition from Democrats. As a reminder, while the President has the ability to offer budget proposals, Congress still needs to review r equests and enact the proposals into law. The unpopularity of the budget could make it even harder to reach spending and budget deals during FY 18. NATCA Impact: While the Administration's budget does not have the force of law, it serves as a blueprint fo r 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 Congress and their staff on this issue, with a specif ic focus on appropriations for the FAA. FAA REAUTHORIZATION The current FAA Reauthorization is set to expire on Sept . 30, coinciding with the end of this fiscal year. The House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee has already held a series of hearin gs leading up to reauthorization of the FAA, while the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security, held its first FAA reauthorization hearing of 2017 on Thursday, March 23. The hearing, titled "FAA Reauthorization: Perspectiv es on Improving Airport Infrastructure and Aviation Manufacturing," examined airport infrastructure issues, regulatory certification processes at the FAA , and reforms to improve U.S. competitiveness in the global marketplace for aviation products and manuf acturing. GA staff will continue to keep you updated. NATCA Impact : NATCA has played a critical role with Congress in the FAA Reauthorization process. During the 114th Congress, NATCA supported Chairman Shuster's proposal (H.R. 4441; the AIRR Act) to refo rm air traffic control and provide a stable, predictable funding stream. NATCA also worked with Ranking Member Peter DeFazio on his proposal, but he ultimately decided not to introduce it. We look forward to continue to work with the committees of jurisdic tion 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 scrutiniz e any proposal to ensure it meets the priorities of our members. DEBT CEILING DEADLINE PUSHED TO AUTUMN The expiration of the current debt limit suspension came and went on March 16 without much news. By default, the debt ceiling was reset and immediate action won't be required because the U.S. Treasury has said it will take "extraordinary measures" to extend its borrowing authority by at least several months. However, Congress will need