For Release: Thursday, September 20, 2007
Contact: David Gillies: 202-225-5661

HOUSE PASSES OBERSTAR/COSTELLO FAA REAUTHORIZATION BILL

Historic Legislation Addresses Congestion, Passengers’ Rights and Modernization of Our Aviation System

Washington - U.S. Congressmen Jerry Costello (D-IL), Chairman of the House Aviation Subcommittee, today hailed the passage of H.R. 2881, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2007, by the full House of Representatives. Costello co-authored the bill with Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman James Oberstar (D-MN), which is a comprehensive approach to funding and operating the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other aspects of our national aviation system. The Senate will next consider the legislation.

The bill contains important provisions to address the problem of congestion and flight delays, requiring the FAA to meet with airlines when flight scheduling limits are exceeded. If no agreement on schedule reductions is reached, the FAA would use its administrative authority to enact necessary changes. H.R. 2881 would also require airlines and airports to file contingency plans with the FAA detailing how they will make water, food, bathroom facilities, good ventilation, medical treatment and options for deplanement available when flights are delayed and stuck on the tarmac. Fines will be levied if the plans are not filed and implemented.

“The on-time performance of the airlines this year has been the worst on record, and we are hearing daily from air travelers about this poor performance,” said Costello. “The FAA can already take action to address the issue of congestion and delays and this bill will make sure that it uses this authority. At the same time, we are pushing the airlines and airports to have workable plans in place to meet the needs of passengers that are involved in lengthy flight delays while on a plane. Having a plan to get people off of the plane must be a part of these plans.”

H.R. 2881 would provide historic funding levels for the capital programs of the FAA, which will ensure that the resources are in place to begin the transition to the Next Generation Air Transportation System while providing necessary funding for airport improvements, particularly in rural areas. In addition, accountability provisions would be enacted to ensure that the FAA spends this money efficiently.

The bill also would improve safety by restoring balance between the FAA and the air traffic controller workforce in current and future contract negotiations, taking them back to their prior contract for the purposes of ongoing negotiations and requiring binding arbitration when the two sides reach an impasse.

“The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2007 is the result of many hearings and consultation with all stakeholders in the aviation community. I believe it is proactive legislation that leaves us well-positioned to make the technological changes necessary to keep our airspace the safest in the world.”

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