Law to Fund the FAA During Future Shutdowns Proposed in Congress
The recent government shutdown — the longest in US history — had widespread repercussions for the aviation industry. It would also seem that the aviation industry played a key role in getting the government reopened, at least temporarily.
In an effort to avoid some of those repercussions like route delays, aircraft certifications and keeping ATCs on the job, a bill introduced into the US House of Representatives would see the FAA fully funded during any future government shutdown. The bill was introduced by Peter DeFazio, a Democrat from Oregon, who is the chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Rep. DeFazio introduced a similar amendment on bill HR 4441 in February of 2016, which never got past the committee
The law would fund the FAA during shutdowns using the Airport and Airway Trust Fund. The fund is the recipient of taxes paid on airline tickets, jet fuel and cargo. Rick Larsen, the chairman of the subcommittee for aviation, co-sponsored the bill. Larsen says the bill would "ensure essential personnel who work under immensely stressful situations continue to get paid, and that the largest, busiest and most complex airspace system in the world remains safe for passengers and employees,"
This bill would only fund the FAA. TSA, which is a part of Homeland Security, would still be forced to work without pay during a government shutdown.
And while averting another shutdown-related FAA crisis would be great, don't bet on this being signed into law anytime soon. According to Bloomberg Government, "newly empowered Democrats on the appropriations committee may be less inclined to cede their power over the nation's airspace in their spending negotiations." Coupled with the possibility of another shutdown only days away, it's doubtful this legislation would be passed before the Feb. 15 deadline.
H/T: CNBC
Photo by Getty Images
TPG featured card
at Capital One's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 5X miles | Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel |
| 2X miles | Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day |
Pros
- Stellar welcome offer of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, a $250 Capital One Travel credit to use in your first cardholder year upon account opening.
- You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories
- Rewards are versatile and can be redeemed for a statement credit or transferred to Capital One’s transfer partners
Cons
- Highest bonus-earning categories only on travel booked via Capital One Travel
- LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Top rated mobile app