Airport Alert: Additional Details Emerge on Bipartisan, Bicameral Coronavirus Relief Plan
December 9, 2020
A week after unveiling a bipartisan and bicameral coronavirus relief framework, a group of lawmakers today released more information on their $908 billion proposal. No specific legislative text has yet to emerge, but a summary released today provides more details, including on proposed funding for airports, airlines and other modes of transportation impacted by the pandemic. The latest document also sheds additional light on other items that may end up in the proposal from the bipartisan, bicameral group.
Notably, the summary omits specific dollar amounts for the transportation portions of the bill, which tracks with feedback we've received from Capitol Hill indicating that details in that area remain in flux. A previous one-pager indicated that the measure would include $45 billion for transportation, including $4 billion and $17 billion for airlines.
Transportation
Airports: According to the new summary, the measure includes 'funding for Airports, including set asides for airport concessionaires, Essential Air Service (EAS), and Small Community Air Service Development Program (SCASDP) through March 31, 2021.' However, lawmakers did not provide any other details or specific amounts.
Airlines: The bill would extend the 'Payroll Support Program through March 31, 2021.' This continues to be a top priority for airlines and labor groups after tens of thousands of airline workers were furloughed after funding in the CARES Act expired. The summary points out that funds will 'go directly to frontline aviation workers' wages, salaries, and benefits.'
Help Still Needed!
The situation remains very fluid and it remains an open question as to whether or not a deal will be reached and what may be included in a potential final package. There remains tremendous pressure to limit the size and scope of any potential deal, and we will need to remain active and vocal to have a shot at gaining funding for our priorities in any final package that may emerge.
As we mentioned yesterday, we urge you to weigh in with your Senators and House members as soon as possible. Being left out of any package that passes in December to wait for a future package in 2021 will be costly in terms of immediate relief and risky since no one can predict what the new year will bring politically or with the virus and its impacts.
Please contact your Representative and Senators as soon as possible. Draft talking points are available from our previous Action Alert.
