On Tuesday, September 5, 2017, members of Congress returned to Washington, D.C. from their August district work period to consider several items, including FAA Reauthorization.
Proponents of Air Traffic Control Privatization continue to push for floor consideration of H.R. 2997 as early as the week of September 12. This week, U.S. House leadership will likely ask members their opinion about this issue, which will help determine whether the bill gets scheduled for floor consideration. Therefore, it is important we continue making our voices heard through telephone calls, emails, meetings, and our Voter Voices.
The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) has written a new letter urging congressional representatives to oppose Air Traffic Control Privatization and instead work to enact FAA Reauthorization that furthers key initiatives like certification reform, air traffic modernization, and airport development. Click here to read GAMA’s latest letter and consider sending it to your representatives in Congress. Also, please share this link with your fellow pilots and other interested stakeholders, as well as your non-pilot friends and relatives. The more people we have voicing opposition to ATC Privatization, the better! Urge your representatives in Congress to OPPOSE ATC PRIVATIZATION!
Here are some talking points to share with your elected officials in Washington:
1) ATC privatization would add $100 BILLION to the federal deficit over the next 10 years, according to the Congressional Budget Office. Given your strong concern over budget deficits, why would you support a measure that would add that much more to the deficit side?
2) Support Senate FAA Reauthorization Bill S. 1405, which includes many good things for general aviation and no privatization, including support for rural airports.
3) Privatization does not mean Modernization. The Next Generation Air Traffic Control System is well on its way and general aviation is supporting this with personal investment in modern equipment for their aircraft.
