As a result of a strong grassroots effort, the Moran amendment has 26 bipartisan cosponsors in the Senate (including 14 Democrats and 12 Republicans). NATA and other aviation organizations have all worked and advocated for a common sense approach to reducing federal spending under sequestration, including equitable reductions in the contract tower program. Unfortunately, it appears at this point that the contract tower program has been caught in the larger political budget battle going on in Washington.

Although his options are limited because of Senate procedural rules, Senator Moran and others continue to push for a Senate floor vote.

If the Moran amendment is not included in the final Continuing Funding Resolution, currently being debated in the Senate, the FAA will announce this Friday, March 22nd, the closing of nearly 200 contract towers across the country.