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March 7, 2000
ROCKEFELLER SAYS AGREEMENT ON FAA BILL WILL AVERT MAJOR AVIATION CRISIS
WASHINGTON, D.C. —U.S. Senator Jay Rockefeller (D-WV), the Ranking Democrat on the Senate Aviation Subcommittee, applauded the FAA reauthorization agreement as a vital and long-overdue step forward. Rockefeller, who is a member of the conference committee that crafted the bill, said that the $40 billion, three year investment is long overdue and will avert a major crisis in the aviation system.
Rockefeller issued the following statement:
"I've been deeply concerned by the fact that we've been struggling with FAA reauthorization for two years, with little progress. Meanwhile, funding for airport improvements has run out, congestion and delays worsen on an almost daily basis, and important safety changes have not been made. I've pushed to get this bill done this year, because without changes, in 10 years we'll be facing the prospect of a major airline accident somewhere in the world every 7 to 10 days.
"The conference report represents a huge victory for America's air passengers, airports and airlines. This bill will go a long way towards improving safety, reducing congestion, and making certain our aviation system can handle the anticipated dramatic growth in air travel. Most importantly, we're increasing airport funding by 33 percent in order to make badly needed improvements on the ground, and we're improving safety and reliability in the air by increasing air traffic control funding by 40 percent. The conference report is especially good news for air service in small and rural communities because it includes increases in dedicated funding and new competitive advantages and incentives.
"Overall, the bill increases our investment in aviation by 25 percent, amounting to the largest increase ever in aviation funding. In the face of such severe pressure on our aviation system, this bill demonstrates that Congress is serious about avoiding a major crisis. The House, the Senate and the President now need to work to quickly pass this bill and get it signed into law.
"Without the reforms and funding contained in this bill, there is little question that aviation in this country will face a crisis in the near future. Air traffic is expected to grow by 40 percent by 2009 — just imagine if our current aviation system is asked to handle eight million more flights and as many as 350 million more passengers."
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