A publication of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association
Issue link: http://natca.uberflip.com/i/885933
limits. But a growing number of lawmakers are advocating for a permanent or longer - term fix. Congress now has until December to figure out whether spending caps should be raised or abolished. Government Shutdown Possibility : In August, President Donald Trump issued threats to shut down the government if he is unable to secure funding for the U.S. - Mexico border wall in the FY 2018 spending bill. The wall funding debate will likely come up again during negotiations leading into December on a final spending bill. That means that a government shutdown isn't off the table for later this year. FAA Funding : NATCA has continuously advocated for full funding for the FAA in our relevant Congressional appropriations bills (the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill, "THUD"). For FY 2018, the Ho use has already passed its version of THUD funding, which would increase funding for the FAA. The Senate Appropriations Committee has approved its version of the THUD bill, which would also provide an increase for the FAA, although the legislation has not come to the Senate floor for a vote yet. The proposed FY 2018 spending levels for the FAA are as follows: FAA BUDGET LINE FY 2018 FY 2018 House Request Senate Request Operations $10,185,482,000 $10,186,000,000 Facilities & Equipment $2,855,000,00 0 $3,005,000,000 Research, Engineering & Development $170,000,000 $179,000,000 NATCA Impact : Congress hasn't completed all 12 regular spending bills on time for any fiscal year since the mid - 1990s, relying often on short - term funding patches that co ntinue 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 priorities. LEGISLATIVE WATCHLIST In addition to executive actions from President Trump, Congress is already working to advance anti - federal employee bills, including those that would attack the use of official time and negatively impact federal employee pay and ben efits. With Republicans in control of the House, Senate, and White House, these types of proposals are continuing to rise. GA staff will continue to fiercely fight these proposals.