Aviation Groups Back U.S. Budget Deal

Aviation groups praised yesterday’s House passage of a budget deal, saying it will avert a potential shutdown of U.S. government agencies, including the FAA. The House voted 266 to 167 to approve the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, which sets spending limits for fiscal 2016 and 2017, avoids more sequestration cuts and raises the debt ceiling through March 2017.

House Appropriations Committee Chairman Hal Rogers (R-Ky.) had called passage of a budget deal a crucial first step to passage of a bill to fund the government for Fiscal Year 2016. The government has been operating on a temporary funding measure that is set to lapse December 11. “With this stability, Congress can make thoughtful, responsible decisions on how to fund federal agencies and programs, and avoid the unnecessary waste and harm that comes from lurching, unpredictable budget cycles,” Rogers said, adding that lawmakers will now focus on an omnibus federal funding bill.

“Aviation businesses depend upon certainty to create jobs and make investment decisions,” said NATA president and CEO Thomas Hendricks. “This legislation addresses two threats to our industry—the ramifications of defaulting on our nation’s debts and the potential shutdown of the FAA.”

Aerospace Industries Association president and CEO David Melcher noted that the agreement should “grant substantial relief” for agencies such as the FAA. The agreement moves next to the Senate, where it faces a filibuster threat. Republican Senate leaders, however, are hopeful they will be able to push it through the chamber.