A publication of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association
Issue link: http://natca.uberflip.com/i/898522
SSA Annuity Elimination of the Social Security (S SA) annuity supplement, which air traffic controllers receive, was highlighted as an example of reforms to civil service pensions within the House FY 18 budget resolution. This proposal was not included in the Senate budget proposal. The House ultimately adopted the Senate budget, meaning the SSA Annuity issue is not part of the final Congressional budget proposal. However, understanding that the SSA annuity issue could still be attacked on other legislative vehicles, NATCA will continue to carefully monitor the committee process and closely track any legislation that could negatively impact our members , including anything that impacts the SSA annuity. NATCA Impact While budget proposals do n ot have the force of law, they do set a framework for spending priorities. That is why NATCA analyzes any budget proposal to determine the potential impact on our members. GA continues to work with members of Congress and their staff to address our concern s, with a specific focus on any changes to federal employee pay and benefits. FAA REAUTHORIZATION In September, Congress passed a six - month extension for the FAA. The extension reauthorizes FAA programs until the end of March 2018. House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bill Shuster is still pushing to get a floor vote on H.R. 2997, the Aviation Innovation, Reform, and Reauthorization (AIRR) Act but is not setting a specific deadline. On the Senate side, we are anticipating that Chairman Thune and the Senate Commerce Committee will move forward with either their long - term FAA reauthorization bill or an extension in early 2018. Background Prior to passage of the short - term extension, both the House and Senate passed FAA reauthorization legislation through their respective committees of jurisdiction (H.R. 2997 and S. 1405). However, neither bill has been brought to the floor for consideration, which made the six - month extension necessary. The extension puts Chairman Shuster's proposal to reform air traffic control on hold, but lawmakers in the House could still consider the legislation if it garners enough votes for passage. NATCA Impact NATCA played a critical role with Congress as the FAA extension was being considered, and we will co ntinue to engage Congress as the FAA Reauthorization process continues. NATCA continues to highlight the need for a stable, predictable funding stream 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 NextGen modernization projects. LEGISLATIVE WATCHLIST In addition to executive actions from President Trump, Con gress 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 benefits. With Republicans in