hank you for inviting me here today to be a part of your discussion about the reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). We at the FAA, and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) as a whole, look forward to working with this Committee and the new Congress on achieving a robust, multiyear bill that will help ensure the safety of the flying public and efficiency of the National Airspace System (NAS). This is an exciting time in our Nation’s history, as a new Administration takes the reins and establishes its policies. With new Members in Congress as well, fresh ideas and innovative approaches to challenging problems are sure to come. As Acting Administrator, I look forward to facilitating that as much as possible.
FAA reauthorization is a priority for the Department. As the new Administration settles in and continues to get its policy team in place, we will have the opportunity to analyze the Committee’s proposal and develop an Administration position on FAA reauthorization. There is a challenging legislative agenda this session and circumstances have dictated that during this first month of the Administration, the legislative focus be on the economic stimulus package. I can assure you, though, that the Secretary views the aviation reauthorization as one of his top legislative priorities. In the meantime, please accept my gratitude on behalf of the Administration for your efforts in moving the FAA’s reauthorization forward. There is a consensus in the aviation community, and certainly in the FAA, that multiple, short-term extensions as we have had in the last 18 months are burdensome and disruptive, and do not permit the careful planning and efficient execution that is necessary for successful infrastructure and technology programs.
Secretary LaHood has demonstrated that the FAA is at the top of his list of priorities. He visited FAA headquarters twice in his first week as Secretary, meeting first with the executive management team, and then holding a town hall meeting where all employees were invited to attend. In addition to the overflow crowd in the FAA auditorium, the town hall was shown via video broadcast to other FAA offices.
The Secretary has indicated several times in his confirmation hearing and to FAA employees that one of his immediate goals is to fill the position of FAA Administrator, in order to move forward as quickly and seamlessly as possible. He has expressed that the new Administrator will be one who can advance the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) and refine benchmarks for the program for the next five to eight years. The Secretary has also noted that one criterion for a successful FAA Administrator is someone with the people skills to resolve outstanding labor issues, something to which many Members of this Committee are also committed. I am also confident that any new Administrator will work closely with the Committee to ensure these goals are part of any future aviation legislation.
FAA reauthorization is a priority for the Department. As the new Administration settles in and continues to get its policy team in place, we will have the opportunity to analyze the Committee’s proposal and develop an Administration position on FAA reauthorization. There is a challenging legislative agenda this session and circumstances have dictated that during this first month of the Administration, the legislative focus be on the economic stimulus package. I can assure you, though, that the Secretary views the aviation reauthorization as one of his top legislative priorities. In the meantime, please accept my gratitude on behalf of the Administration for your efforts in moving the FAA’s reauthorization forward. There is a consensus in the aviation community, and certainly in the FAA, that multiple, short-term extensions as we have had in the last 18 months are burdensome and disruptive, and do not permit the careful planning and efficient execution that is necessary for successful infrastructure and technology programs.
Secretary LaHood has demonstrated that the FAA is at the top of his list of priorities. He visited FAA headquarters twice in his first week as Secretary, meeting first with the executive management team, and then holding a town hall meeting where all employees were invited to attend. In addition to the overflow crowd in the FAA auditorium, the town hall was shown via video broadcast to other FAA offices.
The Secretary has indicated several times in his confirmation hearing and to FAA employees that one of his immediate goals is to fill the position of FAA Administrator, in order to move forward as quickly and seamlessly as possible. He has expressed that the new Administrator will be one who can advance the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) and refine benchmarks for the program for the next five to eight years. The Secretary has also noted that one criterion for a successful FAA Administrator is someone with the people skills to resolve outstanding labor issues, something to which many Members of this Committee are also committed. I am also confident that any new Administrator will work closely with the Committee to ensure these goals are part of any future aviation legislation.
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