Bill would block privatizing air traffic control
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A House bill introduced yesterday with bipartisan support would prohibit the privatization or contracting out of the federal air traffic control system. <br>
A House bill introduced yesterday with bipartisan support would prohibit the privatization or contracting out of the federal air traffic control system.
The Air Traffic Control System Integrity Act of 2003, HR 1711, would prevent the Transportation Department from authorizing the conversion of any Federal Aviation Administration facility or outsourcing work performed by FAA air traffic control employees to private or public entities other than the U.S. government.
"Should we risk the uncertainties of creating a new system to promote ATC safety and security when we already have in place a system with an outstanding safety record? The answer is simple: No," said Rep. James Oberstar (D-Minn.), one of the bill's sponsors.
Oberstar is the ranking Democrat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Also sponsoring the bill are committee members Frank LoBiondo (R-N.J.), chairman of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee; Oregon's Peter DeFazio, ranking Democrat on the Aviation Subcommittee; and Jack Quinn (R-N.Y.), chairman of the Railroads Subcommittee.
"Air traffic control is a critical component of our nation's aviation system," LoBiondo said. "Its reliability and security should remain in the hands of the outstanding professionals who have made our skies the safest in the world."
Quinn said, "The safety of airline passengers exceeds the desire to streamline the role of the air traffic controller."
The National Air Traffic Controllers Association supports the bill. Association president John Carr said the measure is "a bold and critical step to preserve the safety and integrity of the world's best system and ensuring this country maintains its role as the world leader in air traffic control."
Air traffic controllers have been angered recently by the FAA's decision'under the Federal Activities Inventory Reform Act'to classify them as not filling an inherently governmental function but protected from outsourcing. FAA administrator Marion Blakey has said that despite the reclassification, there are no plans to privatize air traffic control.