MPA LEGISLATION REPORT
August 2006

GREETINGS! First, Here's an update from Washington, D.C. The U.S. House Transportation Committee in June Okayed its version of the FY07 spending bill that appropriates funds for DOT (Department of Transportation), FAA, and other agencies.

The good news for airports: $3.7 billion for the Airport Improvement Program, as authorized but counter to Bush Administration proposals of AIP cuts next year of nearly $1 billion. Among the provisions: a requirement that FAA pay for space it uses in airport-owned facilities; funding for air traffic control modernization, the Airport Cooperative Research Program, the contract Tower Program; and, the Essential Air Service Program. The House version also calls for $10 million for the Small Community Air Service Development Program.

Secondly, The U.S. Senate in July unanimously approved its version of a $32.8 billion funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security. The bill includes $421.5 million for EDS installation, $77.5 million more than requested by the Administration and approved by the House. The bill provides $6.136 billion for TSA, $2.618 billion of which is designated for passenger and baggage screening. The Senate agreed to an amendment by Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) to eliminate the 45,000 cap on TSA screeners, also included in the House version. The Lautenberg amendment calls on TSA to recruit and hire the number of personnel necessary to provide appropriate levels of aviation security and ensure that the average aviation security-related delay experienced by airline passengers is reduced to ten minutes.

Thirdly, Here's an update concerning Missouri Aviation. The only Airport and Aviation Bills are as follows:

AIRCRAFT AND AIRPORTS

HB 1398 --- Sponsor: Pearce, David
Changes the laws regarding military facilities and personnel

HB 1529 --- Sponsor: Storch, Rachel
Requires statewide elected officials and the General Assembly to report any use of a private plane, the cost of the flight, and the passengers aboard the flight within 72 hours after the flight

HB 2005 --- Sponsor: Aull, Joe
Specifies the purposes for which the Civil Air Patrol may be used and clarifies the employment status of air patrol members and the sources of funding for various missions

SB 767 --- Sponsor: Graham, Chuck
Requires Office of Administration and Highway Patrol to oversee use of state aircraft and places restrictions on certain state officers with respect to use of state aircraft.

Note: Here's your web site address for Texas Legislation: www.texas.gov.
Look for Transportation-Aviation, to search all Aviation Bills.

Note: Here's your web site address for Illinois Legislation: www.illinois.gov.
Look for Transportation-Aviation, to search all Aviation Bills.

Now, In Conclusion, Remember, we as USPA, MPA, EAA, AOPA, or any other State Pilot Associations of which you may be a member, all have a powerful voice, be it here in Missouri, Indiana, Texas, or whatever state you may represent. Every group of pilots and taxpayers carries a strong voice to Washington, D.C., and on the State and Local Level.

So Let's not forget to exercise our privileges, and continue to make a "Difference for General Aviation."

UNTIL NEXT TIME!

SAFE FLYING!