HOUSE PASSES FISCAL YEAR 2009 OMNIBUS SPENDING BILL
February 27, 2009
What’s at Issue
The U.S. House of Representatives passed comprehensive legislation containing nine fiscal year 2009 appropriations bills, including funding for the Department of Transportation, that Congress did not approve by the end of fiscal year 2008. Three appropriations bills, including legislation funding the Department of Homeland Security, were approved by Congress by September 30, 2008, the end fiscal year 2008.
Why It’s Important
When appropriations bills are not passed by regular order, or before the end of the fiscal year, Congress has to provide a limited amount of funding for federal agencies to operate, delaying critical funding for safety programs and modernization initiative such as Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen). Passing this bill allows those programs to move forward.
Major Provisions
Department of Transportation
$13.4 billion is provided for the Department of Transportation (DOT)
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) – Funding and other provisions
The bill includes $9,042,467,000 for operations; $44,005,000 above the budget request and $302,467,000 above the fiscal year 2008 enacted level. Of that amount, $7,099,019,000 is provided for the Air Traffic Organization (ATO); and $1,164,597,000 for Aviation Safety.
- Aviation safety (AVS) – Of the amount provided, $16,900,000 is allocated to annualize safety personnel in AFS and AIR. The bill includes no less than $10,000,000 to increase aviation safety staff of which $8,000,000 is directed for additional flight standards inspectors and $2,000,000 is directed for aircraft certification inspectors and related staff.
The bill includes $2,742,095,000 for FAA facilities and equipment (F&E); $18,585,000 above the budget request and $228,484,000 above the fiscal year 2008 enacted level.
- $278 million is provided for the Next Generation Transportation System (NextGen)
- $14.6 million for Flight Service Station (FSS) modernization
- $8 million is provided for the small community air service development pilot program (SCASDP).
- Requires FAA to conduct an analysis of the current air traffic control system compared to the planned NextGen system, and to transmit with the fiscal year 2010 budget a list of capabilities to be achieved by 2017 and their estimated costs.
The bill includes $3,600,000,000 for the Airport Improvement Program (AIP).
FAA Provisions:
- Prohibits funds from being used to change weight restrictions or prior permission rules at Teterboro Airport in New Jersey.
- Allows airports experiencing the required level of passenger boarding through charter and scheduled air service to be eligible for funds under 49 U.S.C. 47114 (c) or apportionments made to the sponsor by DOT.
- Prohibits funds from being used to promulgate regulations that allow the Secretary of Transportation to auction air slots, impose congestion pricing at an airport, exact an air slot from a carrier, charge a fee for the right to use a specified portion of air space, or establish policies that would encourage an airport to undertake such actions.
NATA Position
NATA is pleased that Congress has moved forward on completing appropriations legislation for FY 2009. Funding for federal aviation programs is critical to the FAA’s mission of providing a safe national aviation system.
Status
With the continuing resolution due to expire on March 6, 2009, the Senate hopes to approve the $410 billion omnibus spending bill by late next week.
To view the entire Omnibus Appropriations Bill, please click here.
Staff Contact: Kristen Moore
Director, Legislative Affairs
kmoore@nata.aero