The U.S. Congress is expected to consider a six-month extension of the FAAâs authorization and the aviation excise taxes this week, according to the National Air Transportation Association. Consideration comes as the FAAâs current authorization is set to expire at the end of this month.
The House draft bill would extend the FAAâs operating authority and the associated aviation taxes through March 31, 2018. The six-month extension was a time frame backed by business and general aviation leaders, who sought continuity in aviation programs while legislators hash out a deal on longer-term FAA reauthorization.
âWith reports suggesting that an FAA extension is inevitable, weâŚurge that you make that extension at least six months in length, so as not to distract from the important progress being made on NextGen and needed airport projects,â the heads of six business and general aviation associations wrote to both House and Senate leaders this month.
The draft bill is a straight extension of the programs, but it does contain a few other provisions regarding flood insurance and the extensions of certain health and medicare programs. It is expected to be brought up under âsuspension of the rules,â a procedure used for quick consideration of bills that are non-controversial. This would limit debate and amendments to the bill.