Rep. Mike Thompson Issues Statement on Agreement to Reopen FAA

Congressman Mike Thompson (D-CA), a senior member of the House Committee on Ways and Means, issued the following statement today after Senate leaders announced an agreement on a short-term extension of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA):

“I am pleased that House and Senate leadership, working with the White House, have come to a solution that addresses Congress' inaction on the FAA reauthorization,” said Rep. Thompson. “This announcement puts 90,000 Americans back to work, resumes construction on critical airport improvements, and ensures that our local communities are not affected by a disruption in their air service.”

On July 22, 2011, the last short term extension of FAA programs expired. Since that time, nearly 4,000 FAA employees have been furloughed indefinitely and nearly 90,000 American workers ready to go to work on aviation related construction projects have been sent home. Additionally, the Aviation Trust Fund has lost an estimated $200 million each week in revenue.

Earlier this week, Rep. Thompson sent a letter to the Congressional leadership, imploring them to take immediate action on this issue. Thompson was a co-sponsor of H.R. 2644, legislation to extend all FAA programs through September 20, 2011, allowing Congress more time to finish a long term FAA extension.