Christopher Shays: “The FAA is currently implementing a plan known as the Integrated Airspace Alternative to redesign the Northeast airspace…”

“The FAA is currently implementing a plan known as the Integrated Airspace Alternative to redesign the Northeast airspace to improve congestion at the busiest airports in the Northeast. The FAA only has to consider safety and efficiency when making their decisions. But they do not have to consider the effect of air traffic on the quality of life in the communities near the airports. Congressman Garrett and I are offering an amendment today to require the Government Accountability Office to issue a report assessing the possibility of utilizing market-based strategies for air congestion reduction. These strategies could include incentivizing airlines to move flights to offpeak times and implementing slot systems for airports or quotas. The report would also have the GAO compare these strategies' effectiveness against redesigned air space. With that, I just say this amendment does not hold up the redesign process. It simply requires a study.”