By: R.G. Edmonson at bedmonson@joc.com.

15th extension in the wings as deadlocks remain on key issues
Congress is headed toward the 15th extension of authorizing legislation for the Federal Aviation Administration since the law expired in September 2007.

The current FAA authorization will expire Aug. 30. Expiration would provide funds to keep the agency in operation, and continue payments to airports out of the Aviation and Airway Trust fund and the Airport Improvement Program.

In March the Senate passed a $34.5 billion reauthorization. The House passed its reauthorization last October. Both chambers agreed to short-term extensions to work out differences.

A controversial unresolved issue is a House provision that gives FedEx employees bargaining rights under the National Labor Relations Act, something the Senate rejects.

According to House transportation committee spokesman Jim Berard, the House and Senate also are divided on allowing flights into Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington that originate more than 1,250 miles away. There is also disagreement about raising the cap on passenger facility charges from $4.50 to $7.

Source: The Journal of Commerce

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