AAAE Praises Senators Susan Collins and Jack Reed

Alexandria, VA – American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) President and CEO Todd Hauptli today released the following statement regarding bipartisan legislation authored by Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Jack Reed (D-RI) to fund the Department of Transportation for the fiscal year that begins on October 1. The measure, which will be considered by the Senate Appropriations Committee this week, would empower airports to update and upgrade their facilities to better serve the traveling public through a long overdue adjustment to the local passenger facility charge program and an increase in the successful user-funded federal Airport Improvement Program.  “Chairman Collins and Ranking Member Reed are providing real leadership and meaningful action to give airports the tools they need to upgrade aging airport facilities, enhance competition, invest in the future, and create quality American jobs. Their understanding of the depth of the challenge was apparent when I appeared before their subcommittee in March, and they deserve immense credit for their shared resolve to put politics and excuses for inaction aside in the legislation they have released this week. For the benefit of airports, air travelers, and communities now and into the future, Congress must pass the bipartisan proposal that Senators Collins and Reed have developed to address growing airport infrastructure needs through an updated PFC program and enhanced AIP funding. The airport community owes these leaders a tremendous debt of gratitude." Earlier this year, Hauptli testified before the Collins/Reed subcommittee, advocating for an increase in the PFC and AIP programs.