Congress adjourned Friday without resolving a dispute over a cut in subsidies to 13 rural airports. There is also a bigger standoff between House Republicans and Senate Democrats over a provision in long-term funding legislation that would make it more difficult for airline and railroad workers to unionize.
âIâm very disappointed that Congress adjourned today without passing a clean extension of the FAA bill,â Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said Friday.
âThe FAA employees who will be furloughed perform critical work for our nationâs aviation system and our economy,â FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt said Friday. âThese are real people with families who do not deserve to be put out of work during these tough economic times.â
The FAA cannot collect ticket taxes until the agencyâs operating authority is renewed.