A publication of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association
Issue link: http://natca.uberflip.com/i/851086
the FAA Operations account. Overall, the bill provides a total of $16.6 billion for the FAA, which is $153 million above current funding levels. Specifically, it provides $10.185 billion fo r FAA operations (an increase of approximately $160 million) and $2.855 for Facilities and Equipment (remains at the current level). See below for more information on current FAA funding levels. SEPT. 30 SHUTDOWN SCENARIO The delays and confusion that ha ve plagued the federal budget process, as well as a needed increase in the debt limit, are fueling uncertainties about the September 30 deadline for federal government funding. The two issues are entwined in the views of many, and Republicans who control C ongress and the White House are under pressure to move soon to avoid a government shutdown when fiscal 2018 begins October 1. Current FAA Funding : The current FY 2017 spending bill provides $16.4 billion for the FAA. Below are specifics on funding levels for the individual accounts. The funding allows for a two year carry over in the operations account — a critical adjustment that will ensure that the ATC hiring process is continuous and potentially help mitigate other negative effects of sequestration. Th is one - time funding flexibility will ensure the continuity of operations during the annual transition from one year to the next. $10,025,852,000 for the FAA Operations $2,855,000, 000 for the FAA Facilities & Equipment $176,500,000 for the FAA Research, Engineering & Development 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 maj or 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 priorities. As a reminder, this year's "NATCA in Washington" lobby w eek sent our activists to Capitol Hill to request full funding in FY 2018, which will be a priority for us as Congress looks ahead to the next fiscal year. Below is an update on the current FAA funding levels. FY 18 BUDGET PROPOSALS Congress still holds the "purse strings," no matter what is on President Donald Trump ' s wish list. Congressional "budget resolutions" set a tax and spending framework for Congress to enact annual appropriations bills. See below for details and the status of budget proposals fr om 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 been unable to unite around a full budget resolution. As a reminder, a budget proposal is not law: i t must pass both chambers of Congress and be signed into law before it can go into effect. White House Budget : The White House released its FY 2018 budget proposal in May. As expected, the budget calls for an increase in defense spending, offset by a decre ase in discretionary spending. Click here to view a message that NATCA President Rinaldi and EVP Gilbert sent out to the membership. House & Senate Budgets : Repu blicans are still working on a unified budget resolution that would pave the way for a tax code overhaul and offer a blueprint for ending deficits in the next 10 years . The House Budget Committee is set to mark up a fiscal 2018 budget resolution during the week of July 17, but delays continue to plague its progress. So far, there has been no word of a budget proposal on the Senate side.