Peter Welch: “H.R. 2881 is a very important piece of legislation last updated in 2003. We are here today to make very critical…”

“H.R. 2881 is a very important piece of legislation last updated in 2003. We are here today to make very critical reinvestments in aviation. This bill authorizes $37.2 billion for Federal Aviation Administration operations, $13 billion for FAA facilities and equipment, $15.8 billion for the Airport Improvement Program, and $1.8 billion for research and engineering development. The $13 billion provided for FAA facilities and equipment is significant and will work to accelerate the implementation of the next generation air transportation system. This enables the FAA to make needed repairs and upgrades. This is very important to small airports across the country, including 18 State, municipal, and private airports in my State of Vermont that were all satisfied with the work of this committee, that balanced the needs of small, medium and large airports.”