Jim Sensenbrenner: “H.R. 1271 authorizes the FAA to carry out its research, engineering, and development program for fiscal years 1998…”

“H.R. 1271 authorizes the FAA to carry out its research, engineering, and development program for fiscal years 1998, 1999, and 2000. The objective of the RE&D program is to develop and validate the technology and knowledge required for the FAA to ensure the safety, efficiency, and security of our national air transportation system. Advances developed through the RE&D program are helping transform the FAA into a modern air traffic management system capable of meeting the increased aviation demands of the coming century. Overall, H.R. 1271 authorizes $217 million in fiscal year 1998, $224 million in fiscal year 1999, and $231 million in fiscal year 2000 for the FAA to carry out the critical projects and activities of the FAA RE&D program, including research and development in the areas of capacity management, navigation, weather, aircraft safety, systems security, and human factors. While including some increases for critical FAA research activities such as weather and computer security, H.R. 1271 does not provide a blank check to the FAA.”