User Fee Issue Still Far From Settled
Congress passed two temporary extensions of the FAA
reauthorization bill keeping the old bill in effect until December 31, 2007, and
many believe additional extensions will be needed as the Democratic- controlled
congress continues to bicker with the Bush Administration over the wars and
spending. All of this means the user fee issue is far from settled and, in fact,
may heat up in the months to come. The Senate, particularly, is focusing much
of its attention on military spending, including in the legislation time tables
for withdrawal of troops and, in the President's view, many pork barrel
projects. This brings vetoes.
Even when both houses get around to considering a full
reauthorization, differences point to a lengthy debate. At first the Senate
passed extension of only one portion of the FAA reauthorization bill, the
Essential Air Service (EAS) program. The House added all other FAA operational
issues, as Rep. Jerry Costello (D-Ill) said 'to ensure that essential services
continue to operate without interruption.' The House had passed a full
reauthorization, which did not include user fees.
In addition to the issue of user fees, the strife between
the FAA and National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) raises
additional questions over reauthorization. NATCA officials say the only way to
settle the issue is for Congress to get involved. The bill passed by the House
includes instructing the FAA and NATCA to return to the bargaining table. The
Senate has not yet faced the issue.
As Congress prepares for its holiday recess, many aviation
interests in Washington believe additional extensions of the current bill will
be needed after the first of the year. Some predict it could be as late as the
end of 2008, before a final bill is passed and signed by the President.
In the meantime, this delay in passage of the FAA
reauthorization bill provides additional time for the airline industry to
pressure for user fees to move general aviation out of what the carriers
consider 'their airspace.' Undoubtedly, the airlines' long delays, missed
connections, and cancelled flights over the heavy-travel holiday period will be
spotlighted by the industry as examples of their need for priority air traffic
control and airport access.
General aviation interests are urging that individuals keep
the heat on their elected officials.
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