An agreement between House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) over a 2010 National Mediation Board (NMB) rule, that changed procedures for airline and rail workers' union elections, has opened the way for final agreement on long-term Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization legislation. With the latest extension of FAA authorization set to expire on Jan. 31, the House approved an extension of FAA authorization through Feb.17, the 23rd extension, and the Senate is expected to follow suit. There are numerous differences in the House and Senate passed versions of the bills. Issues of concern to the construction industry in the two versions are as follows:
- Length- The Senate bill is a two-year extension while the House bill extends authorization for four years.
- AIP funding- The House bill averages about $3 billion a year for AIP; the Senate's bill has about $4 billion annually. AIP's 2012 appropriation is $3.35 billion.
- Passenger Facility Charge- Both the House and Senate bills keep the passenger facility charge cap at $4.50.