Thomas E. Petri: “Let me note that for the third consecutive Congress we're working to enact a multiyear reauthorization bill for the FAA.…”

“Let me note that for the third consecutive Congress we're working to enact a multiyear reauthorization bill for the FAA. I remain hopeful that we will be able to complete a long-term reauthorization in the very near future and send it to the President for his signature. We're currently working with the Senate to finish negotiations to reconcile the differences between the Senate and the House versions. I know I, for one, am committed to passing a long-term reauthorization that will allow the FAA to continue making progress in modernizing our system, utilizing new technologies, and making other improvements. However, the current FAA extension expires at the end of this month. H.R. 1893 is a clean, short-term extension of FAA funding and programs through June 30. It allows important safety and capacity projects at our Nation's airports to continue at the funding levels contained in the recently passed continuing resolution for fiscal year 2011. This extension is a prudent precaution to ensure that the FAA is able to continue operating until negotiations for a long-term FAA reauthorization are completed. I urge my colleagues to support the resolution. Committee on Ways and Means, House of Representatives, Washington, DC, May 23, 2011. Hon. John Mica, Chairman, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Mica: I am writing concerning H.R.…”