With the current aviation funding bill, AIR-21, slated to expire Sept. 30, key Senate Democrats are proposing a six-month extension of that law, with some changes. But Republican leaders on the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee are opposed to the idea.
Sen. Jay Rockefeller of West Virginia, the top Democrat on the aviation subcommittee said he planned to introduce a bill on Sept. 16 to renew Federal Aviation Administration programs for six months. If no new bill is enacted by the end of September, FAA would be unable to approve new Airport Improvement Program grants. AIP funds construction and security work.