WASHINGTON, DC – As Republicans continue to block a clean extension of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) operating authority, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today called on the U.S. House of Representatives to quickly approve a routine stop-gap funding measure that would immediately put 4,000 Americans back to work as Congress continues negotiating a comprehensive, bipartisan FAA bill that can pass with a strong majority.

Reed said Republicans are causing needless economic damage, delaying airport construction projects, and costing the U.S. about $30 million a day in lost revenue because the FAA can’t collect security fees and other levies on tickets, fuel, and cargo until Congress acts.  These funds go into an airport and airway trust fund that is used to upgrade airports and pay some airport workers.  Should the lapse continue, additional projects and personnel may be affected.   And, to worsen matters some airlines are continuing to collect these fees and keeping them. 

So far, the partial FAA shutdown, which went into effect at midnight on July 22, has caused over 100 airport workers in New England to be furloughed according to the FAA.  The lapse has halted construction of more than $680 million in critical airport modernization projects across the country, including a $237,000 fire alarm upgrade and construction project at TF Green airport.  In addition, the furlough of key personnel could stall the final review of TF Green’s runway safety and expansion project.

Reed stated: “Passing a clean, short-term FAA extension bill is necessary to keep our economy moving and our airports safe.  Instead of provoking a crisis that results in layoffs, shutdowns, delays, and ultimately higher costs for consumers and taxpayers, Speaker Boehner should immediately hold an up or down vote on a short-term FAA extension.  The American people don’t want political gridlock, they want their government to work and Congress can and should act quickly to resolve this issue.”

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