WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) today urged Congress to pass Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization legislation after the Senate rejected a compromise amendment sponsored by Senator Stevens and Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Tex.) that removed extraneous, non-aviation-related provisions.

Senator Stevens worked with colleagues in both parties to help broker a compromise on the provisions to fund needed modernizations, several of which were of interest to many Alaskan aviators. In addition, Senator Stevens will oppose any increase in the fuel tax burden for commercial airlines and piston general aviation aircraft.

“I am deeply disappointed this legislation has been sidelined due to matters unrelated to aviation,” said Senator Stevens. “The aviation provisions in this bill are products of solid bipartisan negotiations between the Senate Commerce and Finance Committees.  The compromise did not include a $25 user fee, but still created a modernization fund within the Aviation Trust Fund.

“The fact that the Senate has already moved on to other matters is an unfortunate result for Alaskans who depend on aviation more than residents in any other state.  Congress must find a way to move forward on this bill without weighing it down with amendments totally unrelated to aviation.”

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