FAA Reauthorization Act of 2007

Floor Speech

FAA REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2007 -- (House of Representatives - September 20, 2007)

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Mr. COBLE. Mr. Chairman, aviation is a growing industry in the 6th Congressional District of North Carolina, and therefore my interest in the reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration stems from both a consumer and industry perspective. I'd like to take a few moments to highlight some provisions in H.R. 2881 which are beneficial to my area and others which cause concern.

There is a vibrant general aviation community within North Carolina, and many of the airports in my district are dependent upon the Airport Improvement Program to fund necessary infrastructure improvements. I am pleased that this legislation builds upon this successful program. It is my hope that as the bill moves forward, we will continue to seek ways to augment, and even create incentives, within the AlP program because it is a vital tool for economic development.

In addition, I remain supportive of the Small Community Air Services Development Program which is reauthorized in H.R. 2881. I have seen first-hand the success this program has had in my district, and believe that it is another tool which encourages community development, particularly in rural areas.

I'm also pleased that the bill before us takes the initial steps to modernize and update our air traffic control system. While I don't pretend to understand the technology, I do believe that upgrading our current air traffic control system will create more efficient and effective management of our airways. I'm hopeful that this investment, coupled with improving infrastructure, will help to alleviate much of the delays and cancellations that each of us currently face all too often when we go to the airport. We still have much work to do, but I believe this bill is a step in the right direction.

There are also areas in the base bill which concern me. I have nothing but the utmost respect for the air traffic controllers of this Nation, and especially those that live and work within my district. I have had frank and constructive conversations on a variety of issues with them in the past several months.

Despite that, I still have reservations about the intent and ramifications of the language in the base bill which would reopen the recently implemented contract. First and foremost, the issue of back pay concerns me from a fiscal and fairness perspective. Regardless of whether you support or oppose the current contract, to simply invalidate the contract, in my opinion, undermines the bargaining process. Further, I remain concerned at the effect this amendment will have on our Nation's taxpayers.

Additionally, I remain concerned by language in the bill which would require non-pilot employees to be covered under the National Labor Relations Act. This language, which is directed at one express shipping company, in my opinion could undermine the national transportation network and create many unintended consequences.

As this bill moves forward, I hope that we can continue to work towards modernizing our air traffic control system and also resolve issues where there is disagreement. Because of the concerns outlined above, I intend to oppose the base bill, but do so recognizing that there are provisions which I support.

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