LEE’S SUMMIT, MO., Sept. 1, 2011 – Today, President Barack Obama called on Congress to pass a bill extending the Federal Aviation Administration’s spending authority prior to the agency’s current authority which expires on Sept. 16. The FAA was partially shut down for two weeks earlier this summer because lawmakers did not agree to another short-term funding extension until Aug. 5.

“Although President Obama recently has made critical remarks toward the business and general aviation industry, the Aircraft Electronics Association is pleased to hear the president urge Congressional leaders to pass a permanent piece of legislation,” AEA President Paula Derks said. “The FAA is currently operating on a series of 21 short-term continuing resolutions since 2007, and it is time to put partisan politics aside and approve a long-term piece of legislation. Without it, the FAA’s ability to strategically commit to the infrastructure improvements necessary to fully implement NextGen is in jeopardy.”

During the partial FAA shut down in late July and early August, nearly 4,000 employees were furloughed and more than 200 stop-work orders were issued for airport construction and other projects.

The AEA encourages its members to contact members of Congress and urge them to pass an FAA bill immediately.