Published in Midwest Flyer – August/September 2017 issue
WASHINGTON, DC – The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved a six-year FAA reauthorization bill on June 27, 2017 by a vote of 32-25 that includes a controversial plan to corporatize the air traffic control system. Although committee members approved an amendment to boost Airport Improvement Program funding to almost $4 billion by fiscal year 2023, up from $3.8 billion in the underlying bill, they did not discuss or vote on a proposal to eliminate the federal cap on Passenger Facility Charges (PFCs). Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Ranking Member Peter DeFazio (D-OR) considered proposing an amendment to eliminate the PFC cap, but did not offer their proposal during the committee markup. The American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA), and the U.S. Travel Association have worked closely together in an effort to convince committee members to consider and pass the DeFazio/Massie PFC amendment. The associations will continue working to convince lawmakers to address the PFC cap as FAA reauthorization legislation and a potential infrastructure package are considered by Congress.