As the deadline looms for the FAA’s current authorization to expire at the end of the month, 28 organizations are urging Senate leaders to act on a long-term reauthorization bill. Those organizations, representing a cross-section of aviation stakeholders, also urged the chamber to work quickly on confirming the White House’s choice for FAA Administrator, Michael Whitaker.
The September 13 letter sent jointly by the organizations signifies the broad support Whitaker has already captured in the days since the White House announcement of its nomination intentions. Whitaker is a known quantity within aviation circles, having previously served as deputy administrator under the Obama Administration.
“This is a critical and transformative time for the aviation industry. To keep pace, the FAA needs permanent leadership and clear direction,” the organizations wrote. “We hope consideration of his nomination will be of the utmost priority for the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the U.S. Senate.”
At the same time, the organizations asked the Senate to move forward with an FAA reauthorization bill that stalled in June over issues including slots at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and airline pilot qualifications. The House approved its version of a long-term FAA bill in July. Congress has until September 30 to either agree to a temporary extension or pass a long-term bill. Many believe the temporary extension is the most likely scenario, especially given the differences between the House-passed and Senate-drafted bills.
“A completed FAA reauthorization bill and a confirmed administrator in 2023 will contribute in a substantial fashion to strengthening the agency’s efforts in advancing safety, efficiency, infrastructure, and innovation, supporting the FAA’s workforce, and enhancing the jobs and global competitiveness of the U.S. aviation industry,” the organizations wrote.
Meanwhile, as they push for action on an FAA Administrator and reauthorization, Washington is watching closely as the current fiscal year is ending at the end of the month as well, but Congress has not yet ironed out FY2024 funding. The Senate is set to pass “minibus” spending bills for various agencies but the path in the House is unclear.
While some parts of the agency would be protected in case the impasse leads to a government shutdown—including air traffic control and the FAA registry—it clearly would have an effect on the agency.
Acting FAA Administrator Polly Trottenberg told reporters that both the House and Senate bills would facilitate the hiring of 1,800 controllers and “We're gearing up to do that.” However, a shutdown delays that process, she said, “and the disruption is profound…it is all hands on deck to hire, train, and certify that number of controllers. The government shutdown will just be immensely disruptive to that and really knock us off that target.”
She stressed that the FAA will not compromise on safety and acknowledged a large part of the agency would be exempted from the shutdown. But those ensnared include training and contracting. “If we shut down for a couple of weeks, it takes a lot more than a couple of weeks to recover, particularly on the training side.”