Release #: 19.05
February 08, 2019

ALPA Applauds Legislation to Keep FAA Funded in the Event of Future Shutdowns

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The world’s largest nongovernmental aviation safety organization, the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), today applauded Congressmen Peter DeFazio (D-OR) and Rick Larsen (D-WA) for introducing legislation (H.R. 1108) that would authorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to draw funding from the Airport and Aviation Trust Fund (AATF) in the event of a government shutdown.

“We are grateful for Chairman DeFazio’s and Chairman Larsen’s leadership and continued commitment to aviation safety. We strongly urge Congress to pass this crucial bill to ensure safe and efficient air transportation for our passengers and cargo shippers,” said Capt. Joe DePete, ALPA president. “Flying is the safest mode of transportation in the world thanks to the hardworking professionals who work in a complex, interconnected system. It is unconscionable that these essential aviation professionals were forced to work without pay during the recent shutdown, and we should never let that happen again.”

“ALPA stands ready to work with all Members of Congress, congressional committees, and the Administration to ensure the continued safe operation of our national air space without interruption,” added DePete.

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the largest airline pilot union in the world and represents more than 61,000 pilots at 33 U.S. and Canadian airlines. Visit the ALPA website at alpa.org or follow us on Twitter @WeAreALPA.

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CONTACT: ALPA Media, 703-481-4440 or Media@alpa.org