... at least that’s want Senate Democrats are saying about FAA reauthorization legislation now under consideration. It is reportedly the same bill that’s been sitting on the Senate shelf for a year now, and appears to have strong bipartisan support. Meanwhile, in the U.S. House, Rep. John Mica (R-FL), who now heads up the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, says his Job One is passage of the FAA bill. After living with some 17 short-term funding extensions, things are looking up.
But wait … there may be a catch. In a move to avoid filibusters in the Senate, Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) struck a deal to allow amendments to be added, whether or not they are related to aviation. Republicans apparently see this as their first window of opportunity to repeal all or part of the 2010 health care law.
The Associated Press quotes Sen. Reid as saying, “We cannot let this bill be stymied as a result of relatively small issues. If there was ever a jobs bill, this is it.” One would guess that tacking on a health care reform bill could become more than a small issue. Yet, Sen. Charles E. Schumer (D-NY) tells Congressional Quarterly Today, “I don't think that will hold the bill up.”
I contacted the two major U.S. airports groups – AAAE and ACI-NA – for their insights/comments on whether or not the amendment-go-round could have a negative impact on moving along the FAA bill. They had no immediate comment ... but then, they were in the midst of hosting an annual legislative issues conference in Washington, D.C. One has to give them a tip of the hat for timing. Perhaps the conference attendees could hop on a shuttle over to the Hill and take a seat in the Senate chambers.
This could get interesting … or just another dose of frustration for airports and aviation.
Thanks for reading. jfi