Thomas E. Petri: “In May 2009, the House passed H.R. 915, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2009. Four months ago, the Senate passed its own…”

“In May 2009, the House passed H.R. 915, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2009. Four months ago, the Senate passed its own FAA reauthorization bill, which the House took up, amended, passed, and sent back to the Senate. Since that time, staff from both Chambers have been in informal discussions to reconcile the two versions of the bill and bring a negotiated FAA reauthorization to the floor. While these discussions have led to tentative agreements on nearly all of the provisions, a few controversial issues have stalled progress on a final agreement. Therefore, with the FAA's authorities set to expire on Sunday, we, again, find it necessary to extend those authorities. Like the 14 earlier extensions, H.R. 5900 would extend the taxes, programs and funding of the FAA, this time through September 30, 2010. This bill will ensure that our National Airspace System continues to operate, and that the FAA continues to fund important airport projects while Congress completes action on a final reauthorization bill. I remain very disappointed that a few issues in the reauthorization package are holding up final agreement and delaying important safety improvements. That's why I support the inclusion of the bipartisan and bicameral airline safety and pilot training provisions in this clean FAA extension bill.”