House GOP plan would cut FAA’s budget 5%

House Republicans plan to attach a 5% cut in the Federal Aviation Administration’s budget to legislation necessary to prevent another shutdown of the agency, according to a GOP summary of the bill provided to lobbyists. It was unclear if Senate Democrats would balk at the reduction. The summary says the cut below this year’s FAA budget is in line with the bipartisan deficit reduction bill recently signed into law and a White House budget directive to agencies last month. The plan drew a swift objection from the head of the trade association that represents U.S. airports. One program facing a cut awards construction and safety grants to airports. “It simply doesn’t make any sense at a time when both parties are focused on creating jobs,” says Greg Principato, president of the Airports Council International-North America, in a statement. He says the plan also raises questions about the agency’s ability to pay for certain safety projects. Rep. John Mica of Florida, chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, had said he would introduce a bill today to extend FAA’s operating authority beyond Sept. 16; but that didn’t happen before the House broke for the weekend.