Reducing Flight Delays Act of 2013

Floor Speech

Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of legislation to give the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) the flexibility to use unobligated funds to ensure the safety of our nation's air transportation system. I specifically want to affirm the intent of this legislation that grants the Secretary of Transportation the ability to use unobligated balances of the Airport Improvement Program account to prevent the closure of 149 contract air traffic control towers and halt the furloughs of air traffic controllers.

The needless proposed closure of four Arizona air traffic control towers, including the tower located at the Laughlin-Bullhead International Airport located in my district, would have a profound impact on our rural economies. Our nation's air transportation system is a comprehensive network of intertwined departments. Maintaining service at all contract air traffic control towers is essential to ensure a safe and efficient air transportation system--the basis of this legislation.

The inaction of the Department of Transportation to request sequester reprogramming authority and maintain some level of service at all contract towers has necessitated this legislation. The safety and efficiency of our skies have been put at risk and it has become incumbent upon the Congress to direct this authority to the Secretary of Transportation.

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