Shuster, Brady cosponsor bill to extend authorization of FAA programs

U.S. Reps. Bill Shuster (R-PA) and Kevin Brady (R-TX) cosponsored a bill on Thursday to temporarily reauthorize FAA programs while long-term reform measures are worked out.

The Airport and Airway Extension Act of 2016, H.R. 4721, would extend the authorization of FAA programs and the collection authority of the Airport Trust Fund through March 2017.

“Last month, the (House) Transportation Committee approved the long-term Aviation Innovation, Reform and Reauthorization (AIRR) Act, which represents a profound, transformational reform of our aviation system and a departure from the status quo,” Shuster, the chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, said. “(On Wednesday), the Senate introduced its own FAA legislation, and I look forward to working with them to produce a final bill. In the meantime, while both House and Senate continue efforts to move each bill forward, we need to pass an extension to ensure that the FAA and the federal aviation programs remain fully funded and functional.”

Without legislation extending authority to collect aviation taxes, the Airport and Airway Trust Fund would be without more than $30 million per day to fund air traffic control, airport development and additional aviation programs.

“By extending key revenue provisions, we ensure the Airport and Airway Trust Fund continues to serve American travelers,” Brady, the chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, said. “I thank Chairman Shuster for his work on this important legislation and will continue working with him to keep our airports and airways safe and secure.” 

The Airport and Airway Extension Act will also ensure that airports are able to continue receiving grant money that has already been awarded, which will prevent construction projects from being delayed while costs accumulate.