Dispute could cost government $200 million a week: Portions of the Federal Aviation Administration will shut down at midnight—putting nearly 4,000 people temporarily out of work and allowing airline passengers to buy tickets without taxes—unless Congress can resolve a partisan dispute over legislation to temporarily extend the agency’s operating authority. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood says the government will lose about $200 million a week in airline ticket taxes, and that $2.5 billion in airport construction projects will come to a halt, if the Federal Aviation Administration is forced to shut down. A partial shutdown looks increasingly likely because Congress hasn’t been able to agree on legislation to extend the FAA’s operating authority, which expires at midnight today. Whatever happens in Washington, airlines will still operate as normal, and air traffic controllers will remain on the job. The main obstacle is a provision sought by House Republicans and the airline industry that would make it more difficult for airline and railroad workers to unionize. House Republicans also want to eliminate government subsidies for airline service to 13 rural airports, a $16 million provision that Senate Democrats say is unacceptable. The union provision was added to a long-term FAA funding bill earlier this year, but negotiations on that bill have stalled. Without long-term legislation, an extension bill is necessary to keep the agency operating.
Waiting on players to vote on plan: NFL general managers and other team executives are meeting today to discuss specifics of the labor agreement approved by owners, and to make plans for the season, while awaiting the players’ vote on the deal. Four executives from each team have been invited to this morning’s session at a hotel near the Atlanta airport. The executives are learning the details of the labor agreement approved by owners on Thursday night. The players declined to vote on the deal on Thursday night. NFL owners are hoping the players approve the deal to bring an end to the lockout. While awaiting the players’ vote, GMs are discussing such issues as how to handle free agency so that training camps can open next week.
