NATCA Bookshelf

NextGen The over-arching modernization project that will shift the FAA from its current ground-based radar system to more sophisticated, satellite-based and digital technologies, along with new procedures that will combine to make air travel more efficient, predictable, and environmentally friendly. In short, NextGen will make the necessary upgrades to modernize the National Airspace System. Official Time At the FAA, official time gives employee-representatives a voice to resolve disputes, negotiate changes in working conditions, and implement new procedures and technologies such as NextGen systems. Members of Congress have previously introduced legislation and amendments that would eliminate official time. Most recently, Rep. Jody Hice (R-GA) introduced H.R. 1364, the Official Time Reform Act, which would, if enacted, limit the use of official time. Omnibus A term that is used to refer to a spending package that combines several or sometimes all appropriations spending bills into one larger bill that can be passed with only one floor vote in each chamber of Congress. There are 12 separate regular appropriations bills that need to be passed each year to fund the federal government and avoid a partial or complete government shutdown. Unlike a CR, which is merely an extension of previous funding levels, an omnibus is a collection of current appropriation bills. The government is currently operating under a $1.3 trillion omnibus appropriations bill (H.R. 1625) that was signed into law in March to avoid a government shutdown. The legislation provides funding for the federal government for this remainder of this fiscal year (F Y 2018). It expires on September 30, 2018. Rescission The Administration sent a package of cuts, known as "rescissions," to Congress for consideration. This proposal would cut $15.4 billion in spending across 10 federal departments. The request now goes to the House Appropriations Committee, which will have 25 calendar days to craft its own bill before other House members can act on their own to bring up rescissions legislation. If the House passes a bill, it would be then be considered by the Senate where rescissions bills require only a simple majority for passage. Reducing Flight Delays Act of 2013 Legislation prompted by NATCA's efforts to end sequestration-related FAA furloughs in April 2013. Once signed into law, it allowed the FAA to shift funds from the Airport Improvement Program fund to its operations account in order to bring air traffic controllers and other aviation safety professionals back to work. See also Airport Improvement Program. Remote Towers Air traffic control tower services performed remotely, that is, somewhere other than at the local control tower. The Remote Tower Services initiative is currently being tested at Leesburg Airport in Virginia. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee Chaired by Sen. John Thune (R-SD), this Senate committee has jurisdiction over FAA reauthorization, amongst many other things. The Subcommittee on Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security is chaired by Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO) and has jurisdiction over civil aviation safety and security, with specific oversight responsibility for the FAA and the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) aviation security initiatives. The committee's ranking member is Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) and the Aviation Subcommittee's ranking member is Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA). GLOSSARY NiW Today n a t c a . o r g / n i w 80

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