White House Budget Alludes To User-fee Proposal

Last week, the White House introduced its proposed budget for federal programs in fiscal year 2007 that includes language calling for a new funding mechanism for the FAA. According to the proposal, the “FAA aims to create a more direct relationship between user fees collected and services received.” NBAA noted that the proposal “comes amidst remarks” from other prominent Washington officials indicating a willingness to change the FAA’s funding method to one based on user fees, including for general aviation. “The Administration’s proposal now seems clear, and the decision-makers reviewing the proposal will be on Capitol Hill,” said NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen. “If our industry cares about this issue, we must ensure that members of Congress know of our opposition to user fees.” To facilitate this, NBAA provides an online option to send e-mails to Congressmen.