SUMMARY:
On June 8, the Aircraft Electronics Association and 13 other aviation organizations delivered a letter to congressional leaders urging the U.S. House of Representatives to pass a bill for reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration. The agency's current funding extension is set to expire July 15.
The letter was sent to Speaker Paul Ryan, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. The content of the letter follows, or click here to read the letter in a PDF format.
Dear Speaker Ryan and Leader Pelosi:
We write to urge the House of Representatives to take up and pass a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization bill that can find its way to the President's desk before the current extension expires on July 15th.
Aviation plays a vital role in our nation's economy accounting for nearly 6% of our Gross Domestic Product (GDP), contributing nearly $2 trillion in total economic activity, and supporting some 12 million jobs. Aviation manufacturing also continues to be the nation's top net export.
Republican and Democratic leaders from both sides of the Capitol have long acknowledged that operating the FAA under a series of extensions hinders the smooth operation of the agency and creates considerable uncertainty for the nation's aviation stakeholders.
Our organizations represent millions of hard working taxpayers that want Congress to get things done and not let this important bill be stalled because of a provision that divides our community and many within Congress.
There are many common provisions in both the House Committee-passed bill and the Senate-passed bill that have broad bipartisan support and can have an immediate, unquestioned positive impact on safety, jobs, infrastructure, and competitiveness.
In April, the Senate passed its FAA Reauthorization bill by an overwhelming vote of 95-3. We encourage the House to follow suit, with strong bipartisan support, so that together we can address important issues and reduce the costly regulatory and certification processes that continue to stifle safety, job creation, and growth in the aviation industry.
Thank you for your consideration and support for aviation in the United States.
Aerospace Industries Association
Aircraft Electronics Association
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association
Commemorative Air Force
Experimental Aircraft Association
General Aviation Manufacturers Association
Helicopter Association International
International Council of Air Shows
National Agricultural Aviation Association
National Air Transportation Association
National Association of State Aviation Officials
National Business Aviation Association
Recreational Aviation Foundation
Small UAV Coalition
cc: The Honorable Kevin McCarthy
The Honorable Steny Hoyer
The Honorable Steve Scalise
The Honorable Bill Shuster
The Honorable Peter DeFazio
The Honorable Frank LoBiondo
The Honorable Rick Larsen
Members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact Ric Peri, AEA vice president of government and industry affairs, by email at ricp@aea.net or by phone at 202-589-1144.