WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Pete Stark (D-Fremont) today issued the following statement in support of America's air traffic controllers.

"I strongly support putting a stop to the Federal Aviation Administration’s abusive and dishonest tactics in negotiating a new contract with the nation’s air traffic controllers.

Under an unprecedented interpretation of current law, the FAA is claiming the ability to declare an impasse in negotiations and impose its terms. But such a unilateral action is patently wrong and unfair. It’s long past time for Congress to return the parties to an equal footing and get them back to the negotiating table.

I hope that my vote for H.R. 5449 will send a strong message. The agency ought to cease misrepresenting controllers’ salaries. If, as the FAA claims, salaries are truly exorbitant, then the agency shouldn’t hesitate to enter binding arbitration. The FAA’s desire to avoid arbitration speaks volumes about the weakness of its arguments.

Working under incredibly stressful and difficult conditions, air traffic controllers protect the safety of millions of Americans.  I hope the FAA will follow Congress’ lead in affording them the respect they deserve."