For Immediate Release: September 20, 2007

Sutton Praises Much-Needed Improvements to FAA

Measure Would Invest In Infrastructure to Improve Safety and Efficiency

Washington, D.C. - Congress today passed a bill authorizing funding to the Federal Aviation Administration.  The bill provides operating funds to the entire FAA, and will also help bring about improvements in safety and efficiency that will impact many aspects of air travel.  Congresswoman Betty Sutton praised today's reauthorization as a major step forward in efficiency and safety.

"Anybody who's talked with Air Traffic Controllers knows how desperately we need to invest in sound technology and better safety standards for our nation's airways," Sutton said.  "Instead of simply maintaining the status quo, we're taking a big step toward making air travel safer and more efficient.  Equipment and staffing have been major concerns for years, and I'm proud of the fact that the new Congress acted so quickly to help out the people who work to keep our airways running safely and smoothly."

The bill, HR 2881, invests in modernizing the aging infrastructure of existing air traffic control systems and other vital airport equipment.  With airline traffic expected to keep increasing, airports and air traffic control centers need to be equipped and staffed to handle rising demand.  By investing in aviation infrastructure and staffing, the bill will also help decrease the delays experienced by many air travelers.

The FAA Reauthorization Act provides historic funding for air traffic control systems and the Airport and Airway Trust Fund.  Between 2008 and 2011, more than $37 billion will be provided for FAA operations, $15.8 billion for the Airport Improvement Program, and $1.8 billion for research, engineering, and development.  The bill also increases the number of aviation safety inspectors by more than one third, and strengthens efforts to reduce runway incursions. 

"With air traffic continuing to increase, and with the current staffing crisis in air traffic control centers, it's more important than ever that we invest in long-overdue modernization," said Sutton.  "Outdated equipment and excessively long shifts are no way to meet increased demand, and they're no way to improve safety."

Another key provision in The FAA Reauthorization act which has received praise from workers in the air travel industry helps resolve contract disputes between the FAA and air traffic controllers.  Recent disputes were widely blamed for staffing shortages at many air traffic control centers. 

Contact: Zach Ragboun at 202-225-3401