Today, the Senate approved its version of the Continuing Funding Resolution.  This legislation would fund the federal government for the remainder of fiscal year 2013. The House of Representatives is expected to approve the Senate passed bill in the coming days.

The FAA will now proceed with its plan to close down the contract tower program and announced that it would provide its final list of tower closures on Friday, March 22nd.  The closures are expected to start in early April.

NATA would like to thank Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) for his leadership and efforts on this matter and all of you who engaged your respective Senators.  Unfortunately, despite a strong and coordinated grass roots effort from the airport and general aviation communities, the contract tower program fell victim to the sequestration process and the larger political debate on federal spending.

Other Senators who cosponsored the Moran Amendment include Pryor (D-AR), Blumenthal (D-CT), Warner (D-VA), Merkley (D-OR), Wyden (D-OR) Klobuchar (D-MN), Hagan (D-NC), Shaheen (D-NH), Kaine (D-VA),  Manchin (D-WV), Baucus (D-MT), Tester (D-MT), Rockefeller (D-WV), Moran (R-KS), Roberts (R-KS), Inhofe (R-OK), Kirk (R-IL), Blunt (R-MO),  Boozman (R-AR),  Ayotte (R-NH), Johanns (R-NE), Crapo (R-ID), Enzi (R-WY), Wicker (R-MS), Vitter (R-LA), Risch (R-ID).

We will provide you with the FAA’s closure list as soon as it becomes available.