Veto of GOP-drafted aviation bill is threatened

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Associated Press

Veto of GOP-drafted aviation bill is threatened
Published: Thursday, 31 Mar 2011 | 3:12 AM ET

WASHINGTON - The House is expected to take up a bill Thursday to provide long-term authority for aviation programs, but a possible veto looms if lawmakers persist in proposed funding cuts or include a provision strongly opposed by labor unions.

The bill would authorize funding the Federal Aviation Administration at $15.3 billion for the current budget year ending Sept. 30, and $14.8 billion for each of the next three budget years. The agency's budget for the last two years was $16 billion and $16.9 billion.

If approved, the funding reductions come at time when the agency had anticipated a larger, not smaller, budget. The FAA is ramping up its program to move from an air traffic control system based on World War II radar technology to one based on GPS technology.

The program is expected to cost the government as much as $20 billion over the next decade and industry another $22 billion. Much of the rest of the world is either using satellite-based air navigation and air traffic control or planning to upgrade to GPS technology.



Read more: http://www.cnbc.com/id/42349822

[RedCloud]

1. It's only non fetus life they are sacrificing in the name of cuts.

[mimitabby]

3. good one.. no kidding

[highplainsdem]

2. K&R. That bill has a union-busting provision. WaPo article:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/white-house-threatens-veto-of-gop-drafted-aviation-bill-over-labor-and-safety-issues/2011/03/31/AFHFeW7B_story.html