First, Here’s an update from Washington, D.C. The U.S. House Transportation Committee in June Okayed its version of the FY07 spending bill that appropriates funds for DOT (Department of Transportation), FAA, and other agencies.
The good news for airports: $3.7 billion for the Airport Improvement Program, as authorized but counter to Bush Administration proposals of AIP cuts next year of nearly $1 billion. Among the provisions: a requirement that FAA pay for space it uses in airport-owned facilities; funding for air traffic control modernization, the Airport Cooperative Research Program, the contract Tower Program; and, the Essential Air Service Program. The House version also calls for $10 million for the Small Community Air Service Development Program.
Secondly, The U.S. Senate in July unanimously approved its version of a $32.8 billion funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security. The bill includes $421.5 million for EDS installation, $77.5 million more than requested by the Administration and approved by the House. The bill provides $6.136 billion for TSA, $2.618 billion of which is designated for passenger and baggage screening. The Senate agreed to an amendment by Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) to eliminate the 45,000 cap on TSA screeners, also included in the House version. The Lautenberg amendment calls on TSA to recruit and hire the number of personnel necessary to provide appropriate levels of aviation security and ensure that the average aviation security-related delay experienced by airline passengers is reduced to ten minutes.
Thirdly, Here’s an update concerning Missouri Aviation. The only Airport and Aviation Bills are as follows:
Missouri
House of Representatives
93rd General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session (2006)
Bills Indexed by Subject
AIRCRAFT AND AIRPORTS
HB 1398 --- Sponsor: Pearce, David --- CoSponsor: Witte, Terry L.
Changes the laws regarding military facilities and personnel
HB 1529 --- Sponsor: Storch, Rachel
Requires statewide elected officials and the General Assembly to report any use of a private plane, the cost of the flight, and the passengers aboard the flight within 72 hours after the flight
HB 2005 --- Sponsor: Aull, Joe
Specifies the purposes for which the Civil Air Patrol may be used and clarifies the employment status of air patrol members and the sources of funding for various missions
SB 767 --- Sponsor: Graham, Chuck
Requires Office of Administration and Highway Patrol to oversee use of state aircraft and places restrictions on certain state officers with respect to use of state aircraft
Last Updated August 1, 2006 at 9:54 am
NOTE: Here’s your Web Site address for Texas Legislation: www.texas.gov
Look for Transportation-Aviation, to search all Aviation Bills.
Web Site address for Illinois Legislation: www.illinois.gov
Look for Transportation-Aviation, to search all Aviation Bills.
All other State Pilot Associations should follow the same format, to search your specific state’s aviation and airport bills.
Remember that we as members of USPA, MPA, TPA, TXAA, NMPA, NPA, EAA, AOPA, or other Pilot associations of which you may be a member, we all have a powerful voice, be it here in Missouri, Indiana. Illinois, Texas, or whatever state you may represent.
Every group of pilots and taxpayers carries a strong voice to Washington, D.C., as well as at the State and Local Level.
So let’s not forget to exercise our rights and privileges, so we can continue to make a “Difference of General Aviation.”
UNTIL NEXT TIME!
SAFE FLYING!
Larry G. Harmon
United States Pilots Association
Vice President
Government & Technical Affairs
Posted by JC at August 11, 2006 11:51 AM