FAA Bill Extended Again

The Senate cleared another short-term extension of the Federal Aviation Administration Dec. 18, punting the issue into the 112th Congress.

The measure (HR 6473), which cleared by unanimous consent, would extend aviation taxes and the authority to spend money from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund through March 31, 2011.

The FAA has operated without a long-term reauthorization since the end of fiscal 2007, when the Vision 100-Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act (PL 108-176) expired.

Since that time, the FAA has been authorized through a long sequence of short-term extensions. The most recent FAA extension (PL 111-249) runs through Dec. 31.

The measure allows for continued collection of varied taxes — including those on aviation fuel, tickets and cargo shipped by air.

It also extends authorizations for FAA programs, including one that provides grants for airport projects.

Several disputes have stalled the long-term reauthorization bill (HR 915), including a proposal that would make it easier for FedEx ground workers by placing them under the same labor laws as UPS. House Republicans are not likely to draft an FAA reauthorization with that language in the next Congress.

A House-passed fiscal 2011 spending measure (HR 3082) would continue the capital grants for airports, known as the Airport Improvement Program.

Attributed by The CQ.

Fedex Brothers and Sisters

Submitted by Joe.Carney on January 23, 2011 - 5:46pm.

In light of the disappointing congressional session, recent congressional appointments and Senate extension of the FAA re-authorization bill, we need to "Keep the Faith" and focus on our objective. Since "1992" we have shared many victories and few defeats..all of which were "battles". Make no mistake, The WAR is far from over! Some of you have sacrificed so much over the last few months that, in light of the disappointing news, you've reached a "personal" low point. I've been there. Stop for a minute and reflect on all that "Our Organizing Committees" have accomplished. We are so far up the mountain of success that this is merely a minor setback. The Summit is within reach.Teamster Leadership,Teamster Organizing, Fedex Organizing and Fedex Employees nationwide were all disappointed. However, we're all back up on our feet and pressing on. Tens of thousands of Fedex workers who support our Organizing efforts are counting on you, many of whom truly appreciate your ongoing efforts and sacrifice. Moving forward; Continue to build the organizing employee contact data base, update when info changes. Further, our efforts must continue to build a 21st century "rapid communications network" linking Fedex workers,Family, Friends, UPS Teamsters, Union supporters & retirees nationwide, all on the same network. Blogging, Facebook, Twitter, Mass Emails and many other forms of rapid responce communication and mobilization must be explored. As this network grows, we will form a unified voice, a powerful voting block. A voting block that will identify Congressman & Senators who oppose our efforts, oppose Express Carrier Legislation and our right to organize under the NLRB. Money can only get you so far. A large powerful voting block will not only help our movement but will pave the way for future Labor Issues. Ultimately,Votes are much more powerful then money. Money can get you into congress..votes keep you there. Don't think for a second Senators and Congressman don't realize this. They'll abandon their "Big Money Donors" when their re-elections appear to be in jeopardy. Let's re-charge, re-commit and re-focus! We may have lost this battle but the WAR is far from over! Keep the Faith ! In Solidarity, JC