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79 FAA Employees Furloughed Due To Congress' Failure To FAA Reauthorization Bill ExtensionAs a result 4,000 employees, including 79 Alaskans, will be furloughed until the House of Representatives can come up with a compromise.Related Content
On Friday Congress failed to pass an extension of the Federal Aviation Administration’s reauthorization bill.
As a result 4,000 employees, including 79 Alaskans, will be furloughed until the House of Representatives can come up with a compromise. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood says the partial FAA shutdown will put a hold on airport construction projects across the country. “We have now reached a breaking point,” says LaHood. “Unacceptable provisions in the House version of the FAA bill holding up passage of another extension. This is no way to run the best aviation system in the world." In a statement, Sen. Mark Begich, D-Alaska, expressed disappointment: "This is irresponsible to say the least and poses public safety risks at its worst,” he said. At stake is $6.9 million in grant money expected to go to airports across the state for construction projects, development and research. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, also expressed concern. "If the current extension was allowed to expire we could lose millions of dollars in airport improvements, grants for safety and navigational maintenance." Most airports including Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport officials say air travel will continue as normal, and the shutdown will not impact passenger or cargo services. “The air traffic control system will continue to operate and that means that anyone who has booked air travel and is flying this weekend and early next week will get to their destination,” said Paul McElroy, spokesperson for Alaska Airlines. But there is good news for travelers as ticket prices will be sold without the 8 percent government tax, which LaHood says total $200 million in lost revenue a week. “It’s a temporary tax holiday,” he said. “Taxes do make up a significant amount of every ticket, [and] until Congress reinstates these taxes, yes it does represent some nice savings for air travelers.” |
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buzz said on Wednesday, Jul 27 at 7:19 AM
Wake up and quit letting Alaska Airlines charge outrageous airfare instead charge them a fee for the maintaince of airports. They are the highest cost to Alaskian they have a monoploy
71366006Nick said on Wednesday, Jul 27 at 12:31 AM
Going through what the Roman Empire went through, their Senate/ Congress went through this and where are they now?
71349444Josey Wales said on Tuesday, Jul 26 at 8:37 PM
Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, also expressed concern. "If the current extension was allowed to expire we could lose millions of dollars in airport improvements, grants for safety and navigational maintenance." "REALLY?!" Lisa 79 Alaskans lost their jobs!!! UNACCEPTABLE.
71344563Phil said on Saturday, Jul 23 at 9:12 PM
So it begins! The downfall of America as we know it today due to the greedy, unethical, corrupt, money hungry, self centered, non caring about the American people, government we have. NASA let go 9000 people. Where are they going to find employment? Russia? China? Our society is colapsing and no one seems to see that or care. The FAA let go 80 people and said more will be let go soon. We are in deep scat! If we borrow another 4 or 13 billions dollars on top of what we already owe, how in the world are we going to repay that? There are many ways but our fricken congressmen and senators won't face the fact what needs to be done. They want to protect the rich and their bribing lobbyists. They should make make taking any sort of bribe or "gift" illegal for them. Raise the taxes on the rich and close the tax holes on them and corporations. The idea that doing that would make them hire less people. BS, who's being hired now? Say goodbye to America.
71198488silenced said on Saturday, Jul 23 at 7:09 PM
They are feds. It means only that they will get a paid vacation. They will be paid in full for every second they are 'fuloughed.'
71194982Bob said on Saturday, Jul 23 at 1:17 PM
Republicans and Democrats are like two 10 year old siblings both battling over the final piece of pie. Both want it all and neither is going to budge even if the pie goes to spoil.
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