The U.S. Congress is expected to bring up a compromise bill shortly that would extend the FAA’s operating authority, potentially through the end of Fiscal Year 2017, and address certain other aviation issues. Lawmakers were reportedly ironing out final details and an FAA extension yesterday, and the measure could reach the House floor tomorrow or Friday, according to Politico. House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) added potential consideration to this week’s floor agenda.
While details have not yet been released, the compromise is not expected to include the House proposal to create an independent organization to run the nation’s ATC system. But the compromise bill is believed to include other provisions such as consumer protections and possibly the third-class aeromedical exemption.
Congress has just 10 days to act before the FAA’s current operating authority expires on July 15. The compromise bill, believed to continue the FAA’s authorization through September 30 next year, would provide the new Congress time to re-establish after the fall elections before having to address FAA reauthorization again. It also provides backers of an independent ATC time to attempt to build support for their plan.