Jan. 5, 2015
As the 114th Congress gets underway later this month, NBAA is pleased to have the opportunity to again work with two veteran aviation policymakers on the formulation of FAA reauthorization legislation, the process by which the agency is funded and its major priorities are defined.
Rep. Bill Shuster (R-9-PA) and Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-4-OR) – two congressmen who understand and appreciate general aviation – will be the chairman and ranking member, respectively, of the powerful House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure (T&I). The T&I Committee, which has jurisdiction over all modes of transportation and provides legislative oversight of the U.S. Department of Transportation and FAA, will be instrumental in crafting legislation to reauthorize the FAA.
Shuster and DeFazio both have extensive aviation policy experience. DeFazio has been a member of the T&I Committee since he first entered Congress in 1987. Likewise, Shuster has been on the committee since his election to the House of Representatives in 2001. Both men have previously served in aviation policy leadership roles as well. Shuster was chairman of the T&I Committee in the 113th Congress, and DeFazio previously chaired the House Aviation Subcommittee.
Both Shuster and DeFazio also have been staunch supporters of business aviation. The two legislators were members of the House GA Caucus in the 113th Congress, and they were among the majority of representatives who signed a letter in 2013 opposing President Obama’s plan to institute aviation user fees. Read the letter.
Last October, Shuster was a keynote speaker for the Opening General Session of the 2014 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA2014) in Orlando, FL, where he told attendees that his priority was an FAA reauthorization bill that promotes American jobs and competitiveness.
“Coming from a rural district, I know it’s incredibly important that the business community is able to use airplanes to move people efficiently and increase productivity,” said Shuster during his NBAA2014 address. “We invented aviation in America, so it’s absolutely vital that we think bigger than a traditional FAA reauthorization bill.”
According to Dick Doubrava, NBAA vice president for government affairs, Shuster has already been working with industry stakeholders such as NBAA, as well as House and Senate colleagues, to build bipartisan consensus ahead of the reauthorization debate.
As the new ranking member of the T&I Committee, DeFazio also is expected to take a leading role in crafting FAA reauthorization legislation, and he has pledged to continue to fight for infrastructure investment that results in job creation, increased safety, economic efficiency and strategic growth.
NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen said, “We look forward to working with Rep. Shuster and Rep. DeFazio, two respected aviation policy leaders, to ensure that the U.S. aviation system remains efficient, productive and safe. They understand the importance of business aviation to the national economy and the need to update and strengthen our aviation infrastructure.”
Doubrava added, “For years, NBAA has worked with these two congressional leaders, and their doors have always been open to us. They have demonstrated that aviation is not a partisan issue. We look forward to continuing our excellent working relationship with these two distinguished leaders.
Christa Fornarotto, NBAA vice president of government affairs, is encouraged about the ability of the Association to work with these House leaders going forward. “NBAA is optimistic that with Rep. Shuster and Rep. DeFazio leading the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, the needs of business aviation will be addressed.”
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.