Frank Lautenberg: “Between 1994 and 2000, the FAA did contract out 130 small FAA towers. These were ``level I towers''--generally with less…”

“Between 1994 and 2000, the FAA did contract out 130 small FAA towers. These were ``level I towers''--generally with less than 25 operations per hour and operating under ``visual flight rules''--that is, without radar equipment. I also note that the current list of 219 towers constitutes a small fraction of overall air traffic in the United States. While exploring ways to modernize air traffic control equipment for the entire national system, the Clinton administration proposed a Federal corporation to take over air traffic operations. While I initially was willing to consider this proposal, it was rapidly determined to be a poor idea, and the President eventually made the determination that air traffic control is an inherently governmental function. So during reauthorization of the FAA bill in 1996 and 2000, we agreed to FAA management reforms, to give FAA the flexibility it needs to act as a better manager, not privatization. In the end, the President and the Congress agreed that air traffic control is an inherently governmental function, and recognized that it was not wise to pursue privatization. Unfortunately, the Bush administration reversed the Clinton administration's executive order last year, reclassifying air traffic control functions so that privatization could proceed. And this was after September 11. In summary, the Clinton administration did not support privatization, while the Bush administration does support privatization.”