House Prepares ‘Backup’ FAA Extension Bill

House transportation committee members filed a “precautionary” Federal Aviation Administration extension bill that would tide the agency over if congressional conferees fail to produce a new four-year authorization before the end of May.

If the measure passes Congress, it would be the 19th extension of the existing law since it expired in 2007. It would authorize FAA operations until June 30.

Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman John Mica, R-Fla., called the measure a “backup plan as negotiations on a long-term bill continue.” 

The House will not be in session next week, and rules require that bills be filed at least three days before consideration on the floor.

Rep. Tom Petri, R-Wis., called the extension a “prudent precaution” that “doesn’t change the fact that we need a reauthorization of the FAA”

Earlier this month Mica said he planned to have a bill ready for the president by May 29. House and Senate staff members had begun meetings, but elected members had not joined in yet.

Contact R.G. Edmonson at bedmonson@joc.com.