September 15, 2011

Contact: Julie Hasquet, Press Secretary (907) 258-9304

2011-168

Begich Glad FAA Shutdown Avoided Calls on Congress to Quit Games

U.S. Sen. Mark Begich released the following statement after the U.S. Senate today passed a four-month extension of funding for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA):

"Aviation in Alaska isn't a game or a luxury. The last FAA shutdown stalled projects, kept Alaskans home from work and threatened Alaska's vital aviation community," said Sen. Begich. "While I'm glad we've avoided another FAA shutdown, we can't continue to fund the FAA mile- by- mile. The House needs to provide a tailwind to negotiations on a long-term comprehensive FAA reauthorization by coming to the table and finalizing a bill."

The FAA would have shutdown for the second time in a month without today's extension of funding. The vote was a "clean extension," meaning there are no changes in funding levels or policy from current authorization, providing $1.18 billion to fund the Airport Improvement Program for four months. Both chambers of Congress have passed differing comprehensive FAA reauthorization bills, but the Senate has waited months for the House to appoint conferees to a conference committee to negotiate and finalize the legislation.

In addition to extending the FAA's operating authority, today the Senate approved a six-month "clean extension" of SAFETEA-LU which provides funding for surface transportation programs such as highway and bridge construction. The Senate approved six months of funding for surface programs amounting to $24.78 billion.

Senator Begich is a member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee with oversight jurisdiction over the FAA and is the co-chair of the Senate General Aviation Caucus.

Julie Hasquet

Press Secretary

Office of U.S. Senator Mark Begich

(907) 258-9304 office

E-newsletter signup: begich.senate.gov