A publication of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association
Issue link: http://natca.uberflip.com/i/826356
shutdown as a potentially useful tool to change the budget process amid frustration with the lag in appropriations bills. But most lawmakers of both parties s ay they're determined to avoid a shutdown when current funding expires on Sept. 30, the end of the fiscal year. The more likely fix is another continuing resolution that extends current funding levels into the new fiscal year until a budget deal is reached . As always, NATCA GA staff closely monitors the budget process and will keep you updated. NATCA Impact : Congress hasn't completed all the regular spending bills on time for any fiscal year since the mid - 1990s, relying often on short - term funding patches that continue funding levels from the previous year without major changes. The lack of a stable and predictable funding stream leaves the FAA in financial limbo, and prevents government agencies such as the FAA from starting new projects or adjusting prior ities. NATCA GA staff continues to meet with members of Congress and their staff to remind them of the importance of a stable, predictable funding stream, and the consequences of a government shutdown. NATCA GA staff has also been meeting with House and Se nate appropriations committee members and staff as they now shift towards consideration of the FY18 appropriations bill to ensure proper funding of FAA accounts. FY 18 BUDGET PROPOSALS A "budget resolution" sets a tax and spending framework for Congress t o enact annual appropriations bills. The yet - to - be - released FY 2018 budget proposals will help dictate what the actual spending will be for the federal government. These proposals are important to follow because they often set the tone for what programs an d agencies will and won't be funded, and at what levels. Below is a status of budget proposals from the White House, Senate, and U.S. House. If Congress is unable to complete an FY 2018 budget, it would be the second year in a row that Republicans have bee n unable to unite around a full budget resolution. The recent agenda in Congress surrounding the health care law has taken up a lot of time and it's likely that final adoption of a budget could still be months away. House & Senate Budgets : The House and S enate have still not released their own budget proposals for the upcoming fiscal year. It is expected that House Budget Chairwoman Diane Black will release a FY 2018 budget resolution within the next few weeks that would balance the budget in 10 years. A b alanced budget means that revenues are equal to expenditures, meaning there would be no budget deficit. On the Senate side, it is likely that a budget resolution will take longer, since the chamber is going to be focusing on health care reform for the next few months. White House Budget: The White House released a "skinny budget," which outlines its priorities for FY18, although a more detailed budget has yet to be released. The budget calls for an increase in defense spending, offset by a decrease in disc retionary spending. Specific to NATCA, the budget proposal included guidance for the Department of Transportation. While short on details, it included support for an infrastructure policy that could include air traffic control reform. Click here for NATCA President Paul Rinaldi's statement on the President's FY 2018 budget proposal. GA staff will closely monitor the full budget proposal when it is released. NATCA Impact : As a reminder, while both chambers of Congress and the President have the ability to offer budget proposals, Congress still needs to enact any budget proposal into law. The u npopularity of the President's budget will likely make it even harder to reach spending and budget deals during FY 2018. While budget proposals do not have the force of law, they serve as a blueprint for the 12 appropriations bills. NATCA will analyze any budget proposal closely to determine any potential impact on our member pay and benefits. GA continues to work with members