Story ID: 
Shuster Highlights Independent ATC in Campaign Kickoff
By: Kerry Lynch
Caption: The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee is expected to immediately turn to FAA reauthorization with the March 31 deadline looming.
Word Count: 216
U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee chairman Bill Shuster (R-Pa.) highlights his efforts to separate the nation’s air traffic control organization into an independent organization as part of his reelection campaign that kicked off this week. In his announcement, Shuster listed a number of broader stances—from healthcare to immigration policy—and also focused on transportation issues. “I am also currently working on an FAA reauthorization bill that puts conservative principles into action by taking over 30,000 employees off the government payroll,” he told constituents.

His proposal for a user-funded independent ATC organization is anticipated to be the centerpiece of the House FAA reauthorization proposal that will be introduced in upcoming weeks. The focus of his committee is expected to turn immediately to FAA reauthorization as it faces a March 31 deadline for passage of a long-term bill or another extension of the agency’s authority.

While Senate lawmakers have been largely quiet regarding their positions on an independent ATC, Senate Commerce Committee chairman John Thune wrote in the 2015 year-end report, “In 2016, we have significant work in front of us, and nothing in our committee’s jurisdiction looms larger than passing a reauthorization of the FAA and the opportunity to enact reforms creating a safer and more efficient aviation sector.”