NBAA Commends House Leaders for Passage of FAA Reauthorization Bill; Urges Swift Passage in Senate

Contact: Cassandra Bosco

Washington, DC, October 31, 2003 – The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) today praised the U.S. House of Representatives for passage of critical aviation legislation and called for Senate leaders to act quickly to ensure final passage by Congress before the end of next week.

NBAA President and CEO Shelley A. Longmuir commended House Aviation Subcommittee Chairman John Mica (R-FL) and House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Don Young (R-AK) in particular for their leadership in gaining passage of H.R. 2115, Vision 100 – The Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act, which is critically  important to all sectors of the aviation industry.  “As I have emphasized before, this legislation provides for a strategic investment in an industry that feeds our national, regional and local economic engines,” stated Longmuir.

Of particular importance to the general aviation community is the bill’s call for increased investment in general aviation airports, $100 million in aid to general aviation entities harmed by the events of September 11, and a plan to restore access for all security-qualified general aviation operators to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).

“NBAA’s 7,500 Members rely on a safe, secure and efficient aviation system for time-critical, mission-driven transportation in communities all over the globe,” said Longmuir. “Passage of this bill will inject nearly $60 billion of critical and timely investment in the nation’s aviation system.”

NBAA represents the aviation interests of more than 7,500 companies that own or operate general aviation aircraft as an aid to the conduct of their business, or are involved with business aviation. NBAA Member Companies earn annual revenues approaching $5 trillion — a number that is about half the gross domestic product — and employ more than 19 million people worldwide. The NBAA Annual Meeting & Convention is the world’s largest display of civil aviation products and services.

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