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Alaskan Congressman Don Young voted yes today on H.R. 658, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2011.  H.R. 658 is long-term legislation that will set policies and priorities for the nation’s aviation system, and create jobs through infrastructure improvements.  This bill passed with a vote of 223 – 196.  

Congressman Young worked with Chairman Mica to ensure key provisions for Alaska were included in this reauthorization:

•  the continuation of three dimensional mapping in Alaska  

•  the continued funding of Essential Air Service in Alaska and Hawaii

• an exemption from compliance with the regulations regarding the transportation within the State of Alaska of cylinders of compressed oxygen or other oxidizing gases aboard aircraft

“Aviation is an incredibly important industry to Alaska, which has the smallest road system in the country and therefore depends in air travel,” said Rep. Young.  “An issue we face time and time again in Alaska is across-the-board rulemaking that does not take into account the special geographical and infrastructure needs of our state.  This bill does a good job of addressing some of our key issues such as the continuation of funding for ESA in Alaska.  This is a very important piece of legislation for our country and for the great state of Alaska.”    


A summary of other key provisions included in the FAA Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2011:

• Bill provides approximately $4 billion in savings (over the life of the bill) compared to current funding levels.  It requires the FAA Administrator to identify significant cost savings without cutting any safety critical activities.
• Creates and protects more than 600,000 U.S. jobs over four years, according to estimates.
• Requires FAA to identify significant cost savings, while ensuring that cuts are not made to safety critical activities.
• Phases out funding and sunsets the Essential Air Service (EAS) Program, providing savings of approximately $400 million over four years, with the exception of Alaska and Hawaii.
• Includes binding arbitration for air traffic controllers and other FAA employees to resolve labor impasses.