Short-term FAA extension introduced in the House

The chairmen of the House transportation and tax-writing committees on Thursday introduced legislation that would provide a short-term extension of the authorization of the Federal Aviation Administration.

The legislation would extend the authorization of FAA programs through July 15. It would also extend the authority to collect aviation taxes through March 31, 2017.

Absent an extension, authority for FAA programs and the taxes would expire at the end of this month.

Lawmakers unveiled the bill a day after leaders of the Senate Commerce Committee introduced legislation to reauthorize FAA programs through Sept. 30, 2017. The committee will vote on its bill on Wednesday.

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee passed legislation last month that would fund the FAA until 2022. But that bill has drawn criticism from many Democrats and aviation groups because it includes a plan to separate the air traffic control system from the aviation agency.

Transportation Committee Chairman Bill Shuster (R-Pa.) said in a news release that a short-term bill is needed while the House and Senate work to move their longer-term bills forward.

“We need to pass an extension to ensure that the FAA and the federal aviation programs remain fully funded and functional,” he said.

House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady (R-Texas) said that “by extending key revenue provisions, we ensure the Airport and Airway Trust Fund continues to serve American travelers.”