NATCA Bookshelf

ISSUE An authorization bill is legislation used to authorize the activities of federal government agencies. For NATCA members, the FAA Reauthorization bill is the authorizing measure that establishes, continues, and/or modifies FAA programs and activities. The FAA is operating under an extension to its current authorization, which runs through September 30, 2017. This is the third extension that the FAA has faced since September 30, 2015, when the most recent long-term reauthorization, the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, expired. For years NATCA has voiced concerns about the unstable, unpredictable funding stream for the FAA. The 23 short-term extensions to FAA authorization prior to the 2012 legislation as well as other legislative expirations created challenges for America's 24/7 aviation system, such as a partial government shutdown, a complete government shutdown, other threats for additional shutdowns, and indiscriminate spending cuts in all budgets mandated by sequestration. NATCA has been proactively examining proposals that would reform the U.S. air traffic control system to provide more funding stability, support infrastructure modernization, and maintain workforce protections. MESSAGE NATCA will consider reform proposals that meet NATCA's Four Core Principles for Reform (summarized below and stated in full on page 35), as long as the proposals do not maintain the status quo, which is unacceptable, or result in a for-profit air traffic control system. Last year, NATCA supported the Aviation Innovation Reform & Reauthorization Act, H.R. 4441, because it would have provided a solution to the funding uncertainty, and was consistent with NATCA's Four Core Principles for Reform: • Protect NATCA members, including their pay, rights, and benefits; • Ensure safety and efficiency remain 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; and • Maintain a diverse and 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 and Reform Act of 2012 was enacted, there were 23 short-term FAA extensions during 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. It is one of the primary reasons why we must remain involved and engaged in this process. NATCA continues to push for funding reform to end the stop-and-go funding uncertainty, which has been problematic for the workforce and the National Airspace System. 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. FULL BACKGROUND 41

• Cover