Industry Dismayed By FAA Funding Snag

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The FAA funding bill under consideration in the Senate has stalled, bringing dismay to GA advocates who had been momentarily heartened by this latest version’s lack of user fees. Partisan politics are to blame, says EAA. “We’re deeply disappointed, but will continue to push for procedural opportunities to move the bill forward through the Senate,” said Doug Macnair, EAA vice president of government relations. “This could mean extended and protracted continuing resolutions, leaving unresolved the questions of user fees and how the FAA will be funded … This also continues to jeopardize airport improvement funds and other programs vital for general aviation and the entire aviation industry.” Ed Bolen, president of the National Business Aviation Association, said he’s hopeful the compromise to settle for a GA fuel tax instead of user fees will survive this latest delay, and a bill will be passed in this session.

James Coyne, president of the National Air Transportation Association, agreed. “Obviously, we are very disappointed that the Senate was not able to approve their FAA reauthorization bill over the last week,” he said. “We are hopeful that as the June 30th expiration looms the Senate will get this bill back on track and passed as quickly as possible.”

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