Senate Clears Final FY24 DOT/FAA Spending Bill
March 8, 2024
On March 8, the Senate approved a six-bill appropriations package that includes funding for the Department of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2024. The measure passed by a vote of 75 to 22, clearing the way for the President to sign the measure into law before the midnight deadline.
Before final passage, the Senate defeated a handful of GOP amendments including one offered by Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) that proposed to eliminate the entire list of earmarks in the spending package. Appropriations Committee Chair Patty Murray (D-WA) defended the projects and told her colleagues that the Scott amendment would create a partial government shutdown. It was defeated by a vote of 32 to 64.
Airport Infrastructure Funding: As we have previously reported, the DOT/FAA portion of bill includes $3.35 billion for AIP and $532.4 million in supplemental funding with $482.4 million of the latter amount reserved for airport earmarks. The list of earmarks may be viewed here.
The Sente earlier this week cleared a short-term FAA extension that will extend FAA programs and excise taxes through May 10. With more than seven months of authorization in place and the DOT/FAA spending bill wrapped up, the FAA should be able to begin distributing some FY24 AIP grants. Look for more information from the FAA soon.
Small Community Programs: The appropriations bill that the Senate approved today includes $205.4 million for the FAA Contract Tower Program -- a record amount that is $11.4 million more than the House and Senate proposed and $17.6 million above the FY23 enacted level. It includes $10 million for the Small Community Air Service Development Program and would boost Essential Air Service funding to a total of $503 million in FY24.
Aviation Workforce Development Programs: The DOT/FAA spending bill also includes $20 million for aviation workforce development programs and calls on DOT to evaluate the effectiveness of those programs. The report accompanying the Senate version of the bill indicates that 'funds provided for aircraft pilot workforce should be prioritized for applicants that can help increase the number of qualified pilots in commercial service….'
Six Appropriations Bills Remaining: Congress still needs to finish the six remaining FY24 appropriations bills including one that provides funding for DHS, TSA, and CBP. Lawmakers will need to complete action on those bills by March 22 or pass another continuing resolution to avoid a partial government shutdown. The path forward for those bills remains uncertain.
