On Tuesday, voters changed the balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives, and apparently the Senate, from Republican to Democratic, and this will have a positive impact for pilots, says AOPA President Phil Boyer. “Now we can be assured of a fair hearing from people who understand aviation and aren’t beholden to the White House,” Boyer said. Aviation user fees have been strongly pushed by the Bush administration. But the power shift in the House will most likely put Rep. Jim Oberstar, D-Minn., in charge of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and he is a long-time friend to GA, AOPA said yesterday. Any law to change the way the FAA is funded will have to originate in Oberstar’s committee, and he would control what legislation gets passed out to the full House for a vote. He has historically opposed corporatizing or privatizing air traffic control, and he is highly skeptical of any changes to the current, proven FAA funding system, AOPA says. “We’re well positioned with the people newly in power who will, at the very least, listen to us,” Boyer said.
Changes In Congress Will Affect GA, Says AOPA
Key Takeaways:
- The shift in U.S. House and Senate power to Democratic control is viewed by AOPA as a positive development for pilots.
- AOPA anticipates a fairer hearing on aviation issues from new leadership who understand the industry, contrasting with the Bush administration's push for user fees.
- Rep. Jim Oberstar (D-Minn.), a long-time advocate for General Aviation (GA), is expected to chair the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
- Oberstar's anticipated leadership is key as he historically opposes aviation user fees, air traffic control privatization, and changes to the current FAA funding system.
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