September 5, 2011 - Responsible organizations praise President Barack Obama for his call on Congress to pass a bill extending the Federal Aviation Administration’s spending authority prior to the agency’s current authority expires on September 16th.

The FAA was partially shut down for two weeks earlier this summer because lawmakers did not agree to another short-term funding extension until August 5th. 

Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA) President Paula Derks said, “The Aircraft Electronics Association is pleased to hear the president urge Congressional leaders to pass a permanent piece of legislation.”

“The FAA is currently operating on a series of 21 short-term continuing resolutions since 2007, and it is time to put partisan politics aside and approve a long-term piece of legislation. Without it, the FAA’s ability to strategically commit to the infrastructure improvements necessary to fully implement NextGen is in jeopardy.” 

The Aircraft Electronics Association represents more than 1,300 repair stations from throughout the world specializing in maintenance, repair and installation of avionics and electronic systems in general aviation aircraft. AEA membership also includes manufacturers of avionics equipment, instrument repair facilities, instrument manufacturers, airframe manufacturers, test equipment manufacturers, major distributors, engineers and educational institutions. 

During the partial FAA shut down in late July and early August, nearly 4,000 employees were furloughed and more than 200 stop-work orders were issued for airport construction and other projects. The AEA encourages its members to contact members of Congress and urge them to pass an FAA bill immediately. 

Aeronautical Repair Station Association Executive (ARSA) Director Sarah MacLeod responded to President Obama’s call for a clean extension of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) operating and funding authority, "ARSA commends President Obama for calling on Congress to enact a clean FAA extension.

“For years, ARSA has insisted that Congress complete the reauthorization process or pass extensions free from policy, pork, and politics. The uncertainty surrounding FAA funding and aviation policy is hindering growth and stifling job creation in America’s most valuable industry. Congress needs to complete a new authorization or, failing that, enact another extension without controversial policy riders. The failure of lawmakers to do their basic job, keep the government running is costing livelihoods."