Airport and Airway Extension Act of 2011, Part III

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2279, the ``Airport and Airway Extension Act of 2011, Part III.'' This bill is a ``clean'' extension of the authority of the Federal Aviation Administration, FAA, to spend from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund and to carry out airport improvement projects at current levels through July 22, 2011.

In February, the Senate approved a bipartisan, comprehensive FAA reauthorization bill by a wide 87-to-8-vote margin. Passage of the Senate bill was applauded by both labor and industry stakeholders, and it was estimated that the bill would create at least 150,000 jobs.

The House followed on April 1 with a bill containing some controversial provisions that the Senate has indicated it will not accept. These provisions include the repeal of a National Mediation Board rule on fair union representation elections and cuts to funding for FAA programs, airport construction and improvement, and air traffic control modernization.

For the last 2 months, we have worked with the Senate to resolve a number of differences between the two bills. The negotiations have made good progress, and, with just a handful of major differences remaining, we may be on the cusp of enacting a long-term reauthorization--a reauthorization that provides the FAA with the stability and funding necessary to safeguard safety, modernize the system, and create jobs.

Like my Republican colleagues, I had hoped that each of the previous two short-term extensions would be the last. I was reassured by

their expressions of a commitment to deliver a forward-looking bill that could pass both chambers and be signed by the President. But now we find ourselves with the need for a twentieth short-term extension. This extension is necessary, but I again say to my Republican colleagues: Let this extension be the last. Get a long-term bill done.

I will work with my colleagues across the aisle to produce a bipartisan FAA bill that will create jobs and keep our economy moving throughout the 21st century and make this our last extension. For the present time, however, this extension is necessary, and I urge my colleagues to support it.

The bill was ordered to be engrossed and read a third time, was read the third time, and passed, and a motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure and Ways and Means be discharged from further consideration of the bill (H.R. 2279) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the funding and expenditure authority of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, to amend title 49, United States Code, to extend the airport improvement program, and for other purposes, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. Speaker, I submit the following exchange of letters.

House of Representatives,

Committee on Ways and Means,

Washington, DC, June 24, 2011.

Hon. John Mica,

Chairman, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure,

Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Mica, I am writing concerning H.R. 2279, the

``Airport and Airway Extension Act of 2011, Part III'' which

is expected to be scheduled for floor consideration today.

As you know, the Committee on Ways and Means has

jurisdiction over the Internal Revenue Code. Sections 2 and 3

of this bill amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 by

extending the current Airport and Airway Trust Fund (AATF)

expenditure authority and the associated Federal excise taxes

to July 22, 2011. In order to expedite H.R. 2279 for Floor

consideration, the Committee will forgo action on the bill.

This is being done with the understanding that it does not in

any way prejudice the Committee with respect to the

appointment of conferees or its jurisdictional prerogatives

on this or similar legislation.

I would appreciate your response to this letter, confirming

this understanding with respect to H.R. 2279, and would ask

that a copy of our exchange of letters on this matter be

included in the Congressional Record during Floor

consideration.

Sincerely,

Dave Camp,

Chairman.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to H.R. 2279.

I ask unanimous consent that the bill be read three times and passed, the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table, with no intervening action or debate, and any statements relating to this bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill just passed, H.R. 2279.