Air Traffic Control Privatization
On February 3, 2016, House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bill Shuster and Aviation Subcommittee Chairman Frank LoBiondo introduced the Aviation Innovation, Reform, and Reauthorization (AIRR) Act.This legislation privatizes the Air Traffic Control (ATC) functions of the FAA and allows a Private Corporate Board, dominated by big airlines, to run the system and charge the flying public for service.
The AIRR Act passed through the T&I Committee in February 2016 but has not yet been brought to the floor. On July 11, 2016 the House of Representatives unanimously approved a bipartisan Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) extension that ensures the FAA is funded through September 30, 2017.
Press Releases
- DeFazio, Larsen Oppose Air Traffic Control Privatization Plan
- GAO Report Confirms Air Traffic Control Privatization is High Risk
- DeFazio, Larsen Question Republican Plan To Privatize Critical Air Traffic Control Operations
- CBO: Air Traffic Control Privatization Plan Would Increase Deficit by $20 Billion
- DEMOCRATS RAISE SERIOUS CONCERNS FACING AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL PRIVATIZATION PLAN
Studies
- Delta study: Privatizing air traffic control will increase costs to travelers
- GAO REPORT CONFIRMS AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL PRIVATIZATION IS HIGH RISK
- GAO REPORT: Air Traffic Control: Experts' and Stakeholders' Views on Key Issues to Consider in a Potential Restructuring
Editorials/Op-Eds
- Ranking Member DeFazio: "The Devolution of Air Safety"
- New York Times Editorial: "Don’t Privatize Air Traffic Control"
- Rep. DeFazio: A terrible deal for travelers
- Herald Net Editorial: Give privatizing air traffic control much more thought
Statements and Memos:
Dear Colleagues
- ATC Privatization
- Dear Colleague on Democratic Dissenting Views
- Dear Colleague: Don’t Privatize Air Traffic Control
- Dear Colleague on CBO score for ATC Privatization
- Dear Colleague on Houston TRACON
- Dear Colleaue on Potomac TRACON
- Dear Colleague: The AIRR Act Gambles with National Security
- Dear Colleague (Clinton Administration Officials Response)
- Dear Colleague: Small Community Air Service
- Dear Colleague: The AIRR Act Will Turn NextGen Into "NeverGen"
- Protecting Meal and Rest Breaks and Fair Pay for Truckers
Groups in Opposition
- General Aviation
- Air Line Pilots Association
- Senate Appropriations Committee
- House Appropriations Committee
- Delta Air Lines
- AFSCME
- Labor (AFSCME, AFGE, NFFE, PAACE, LIUNA, PASS, NAFGE)
- National Business Aviation Association
- Experimental Aircraft Association
- Regional Airline Association
- Americans Against Air Traffic Privatization
- American Association for Justice
- Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association
- Consumer and Progressive Group Joint Letter
- National Air Transportation Association
- Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety , Citizens for Reliable and Safe Highways, Parents Against Tired Truckers, Trauma Foundation
- Helicopter Association International
- San Diego Airport
Graphics:
- ATC Privatization Map
- Flow Chart
- Devolution 2.0
- The Big Giveaway
- Comparison of Air Navigation Service Providers
On Wednesday, February 10th, the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee held a Full Committee Hearing: " Review of ATC Reform Proposals"
On Thursday, February 11th, the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee held a Full Committee Mark-Up on H.R. 4441, the AIRR Act.
On March 14, 2016, the House passed legislation to extend the authorization of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) programs through July 15, 2016. Watch Ranking Member DeFazio's floor statement on the extension:
On July 11, 2016, The House of Representatives unanimously approved a bipartisan Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) extension that ensures the FAA is funded through September 30, 2017, and that provides a limited number of important safety, security, and time-sensitive improvements for the U.S. aviation system. Watch Ranking Member DeFazio's floor statement below
Press Release:
House Passes Bipartisan FAA Extension