OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Faa Contract Tower Program

Floor Speech

Date: July 13, 2016
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Transportation

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Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, I want to applaud the passage of the Federal Aviation Administration FAA Reauthorization, as it strengthens security, provides for critical aviation infrastructure, and maintains access to affordable travel for Montanans as well as the rest of the country. However, while many important provisions were addressed in the FAA reauthorization, improvements to the Federal Contract Tower Program that I advocated for were not included.

There are currently 253 airports in 46 States that participate in the Contract Tower Program, including three airports in my home State of Montana. The Contract Tower Program is a prime example of a successful government-industry partnership and provides safety and air traffic efficiency benefits to airports across our country.

The Bozeman, Kalispell, and Missoula airports in Montana count on the Contract Tower Program to provide essential and cost-effective services. That is why I introduced an amendment in the Senate passed FAA reauthorization bill that would protect contract towers and require the FAA to respond to airports when additional control staff and hours are needed. Unfortunately, this 14-month FAA authorization extension legislation does not include this broadly supported provision.

Congress must take seriously the management of taxpayer dollars, and be good stewards of such. The Contract Tower Program is a clear example of a cost-efficient program that provides essential safety services. In fact, according to FAA statistics, towers in this program are responsible for 28 percent of air traffic and utilize only 14 percent of total funding.

Montanans are fully aware of the need for safe and reliable transportation services. They are also all too aware of the wasteful and careless spending by our Federal Government. Ensuring the Contract Tower Program is fully utilized is a commonsense solution that addresses both of these issues. I call on my Senate colleagues to join me in supporting this vital program.

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