WASHINGTON, D.C.–(ENEWSPF)–August 5, 2011. U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) released the following statement after an agreement to extend FAA authorization was announced by Senator Reid earlier today:
“Extending FAA authorization will put an estimated 74,000 Americans back to work and help keep airports and air operations in Illinois and around the country safe. I support this extension.
“Congress’ failure to reach a deal to extend FAA authorization before going home this week is no way to run a government. We can have our political battles, but we should not have them at the expense of working Americans.”
The most recent FAA authorization extension expired on July 23rd. Since then, the FAA has lost an estimated $200 million each week in fees paid by airlines into a trust fund that supports important airport infrastructure projects directly benefiting the flying public. Without authorization, the FAA cannot collect the funds from airlines, though there are reports that several airlines are still charging the fees and keeping the extra funds for themselves.
Source: durbin.senate.gov
