A publication of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association
Issue link: http://natca.uberflip.com/i/883404
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT CONGRESSIONAL SCHEDULE The House and Senate are in session for the week of Oct . 2. FAA SHUTDOWN AVOIDED Last week, Congress narrow ly avoided a shutdown at the FAA by passing a s ix - month extension for the FAA's authorization. L awmakers waited until the last minute to reauthorize the FAA and attempted to include a range of non - related policy provisions, such as controversial language relating to private flood insurance, as well as tax extenders and health programs. Ultimately, President Trump singed an amended version of the bill into law by, avoiding a shutdown at the Agency. NATCA Call - to - Action : With only a few days remaining unt il the FAA authorization's expiration, NATCA acted quickly to engage members by asking them to call their members of Congress and urge passage of the FAA extension. We thank those members who participated to make these important calls to Congress. Backgr ound : Prior to the Sept. 30 deadline, both the House and Senate passed FAA reauthorization legislation through their respective committees of jurisdiction (H.R. 2997 and S. 1405). However, nei ther bill has been brought to the floor for consideration, which made the six - month extension necessary. The extension inevitably puts House Transportation & Infrastructure (T&I) Chairman Bill Shuster's proposal to reform air traffic control on hold, but lawmakers in the House may consider the legislation this month . NATCA Impact : NATCA played a critical role with Congress as the FAA extension was being considered, and we will continue to engage Congress as the FAA Reauthorization process continues. NATCA is highlighting the need for a stable, predictable funding strea m that adequately supports the following: air traffic control services, staffing, hiring and training, long - term modernization projects, preventative maintenance, ongoing modernization to the physical infrastructure, and the timely implementation of NextGe n modernization projects. NATCA COMPLETES ROLLING LOBBY WEEKS ON SSA ANNUITY During September, NATCA hosted four consecutive rolling lobby weeks where NATCAvists visited Congressional offices to educate members of Congress and staff about the Social Secur ity (SSA) annuity supplement, which was highlighted as an example of reforms to civil service pensions. NATCAvists from all over the country held over 500 meetings in the House and Senate to discuss the issue, explaining to lawmakers how this proposal coul d negatively affect federal retirements and current staffing levels for air traffic controllers, which are at a 28 - year low. This month of activism was very time sensitive now that the House and Senate are moving forward on their budget proposals (see "FY 2018 Budget" update below for more information). Background : The House Fiscal Year 2018 (FY 2018) Republican budget resolution contains instructions directing House committees to reduce federal spending. The proposal, which was approved by the House Budge t Committee in July, contains instructions directing House committees to reduce federal spending. Specifically, the