ATA comments on measures signed into law by President Bush.
Press Release Summary:
ATA is pleased that President Bush signed key law to stop DHS from placing government function on backs of airlines. Continuing Resolution terminates administration's plan to require air carriers to collect and transmit biometric information on foreign nationals upon departure from United States. President Bush also signed FAA reauthorization bill, extending taxes and programs until March 2009.
Original Press Release:
Air Transport Association Comments on President Bush Signing into Law: FAA Reauthorization Extension and Continuing Resolution
WASHINGTON, Oct. 1, 2008 - The Air Transport Association of America (ATA), the industry trade organization for the leading U.S. airlines, today commented on President Bush signing into law two critical measures.
The Continuing Resolution (CR) terminates this administration's plan to require air carriers to collect and transmit biometric information on foreign nationals upon departure from the United States. The CR contains language that ATA and its members were able to get inserted, in June 2008, into the House Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Appropriations bill for 2009. Specifically, the language directs DHS to carry out air exit pilots based on at least the following two scenarios: 1.) the airlines collect and transmit biometric exit data and; 2.) the U.S. Customs and Border Protection collects such information at the departure gates. The air exit pilots must be completed by January 31, 2009, and the reports of the results must be reviewed by the GAO. In the meantime, DHS may not finalize their proposed rulemaking
ATA President and CEO James C. May said, "We are pleased that President Bush has signed this key law, which stops DHS from placing a government function on the backs of the airlines."
The president also signed the FAA reauthorization bill, extending taxes and programs until March 2009. May added, "Airlines believe we need to move wisely toward a bill that modernizes the air traffic control system, reduces delays and ends the subsidy passengers are providing to private business jets. We call on Congress to pass sound, balanced legislation in the next Congress."
ATA airline members and their affiliates transport more than 90 percent of all U.S. airline passenger and cargo traffic. For additional information about the industry, visit www.airlines.org.
CONTACT: Victoria Day
202-626-4141
Elizabeth Merida
202-626-4025
