FAA Reauthorization And Reform Act Of 2011

Floor Speech

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Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to H.R. 658 as it currently stands. While I support a long-term reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration, this bill is the wrong approach to doing so. I was extremely disappointed in the decision of my Republican colleagues to slash funding levels for the FAA by $4 billion over the next four years. These proposed cuts would jeopardize the Next Generation Air Transportation System air traffic control modernization efforts and devastate safety-sensitive programs.

Worse yet, H.R. 658 slashes the FAA's Airport Improvement Program (AIP) by $2 billion through 2014. The AIP program is essential for airports to handle current traffic levels as well as build infrastructure to address future demand. Not only does it help airports build and improve runways, taxiways, and terminals, but it also helps airports mitigate noise levels, and improve safety and security at their facilities. Please allow me to give you an example of how this program has helped the people of Michigan's 15th congressional district, and why it deserves proper levels of funding. My district contains Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), which serves over 35 million passengers annually and is one of the newest, most operationally-capable, customer-friendly and efficient airports in North America with more than 1,200 non-stop flights per day to over 160 destinations worldwide. Since 2009, DTW airport has received over $21 million in federal grants from the FAA through the AIP program. These grants helped DTW rehabilitate the runaways and taxiways, reduce noise levels, install taxiway lighting, install guidance signs, and install perimeter fencing. If DTW had not received these grants, it would not have made these upgrades.

Thus, the $4 billion in cuts contained in H.R. 658 will prevent airports like DTW from making necessary upgrades to their facilities, prevent the implementation of new safety standards, reduce safety personnel, and cost 70,000 jobs around the nation. If this bill passes with these budget cuts intact, then passengers at airports across the nation can expect increased delays, overcrowded airports, decreased safety, and crumbling infrastructure. I therefore urge my colleagues to reject these cuts, and to protect the critical and successful Airport Improvement Program.

The FAA Reauthorization and Reform Act, as it stands, is nothing more than a job loss bill that will inflict serious turbulence on our nation's airline industry and transportation infrastructure. I understand the need to reduce the deficit, but we should not do so in such a way that threatens passenger safety, airport security, and airfield maintenance. If my colleagues across the aisle are serious about investing in our nation's infrastructure and creating jobs, then they should vote to rescind these harmful cuts and maintain funding for the FAA at FY 2010 levels.

Mr. Chair, I strongly urge my colleagues to vote against this bill unless the proper funding levels are restored.

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