The Republican Double Standard on FAA

Will GOP Leadership Be Consistent in Recognizing that Extreme Ideology Shouldn’t Block Long Term FAA Extension?

WASHINGTON D.C. – With yet another extension of funding for the Federal Aviation Administration secured through the end of the year, the Communications Workers of America today is asks; If Republican leadership did not want Sen. Tom Coburn’s extreme ideology to block a short-term FAA extension, why is Rep. John Mica (R-FL) allowed to block the job growth and economic benefits that would be afforded by a long-term FAA Reauthorization?

The news that Republican leadership successfully walked back Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK) from shutting down the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) over his hatred of bike paths and sound barriers is welcome news for thousands of workers whose paychecks would have been halted with another FAA shutdown.

"If Republican colleagues successfully pressured Tom Coburn over his extreme views that could have led to another FAA shutdown, why won't they do same to Rep. John Mica and his extreme, union-busting views that led to the last FAA shutdown?" said CWA Communications Director Candice Johnson.

Earlier this year, Rep. Mica’s zeal for union-busting led to the summer shutdown of the FAA over the NMB election provision, which Rep. Mica inserted into the House version of the long-term FAA Reauthorization at the behest of Delta Air Lines. The NMB provision would count non-participating voters as “no” voters in union elections for aviation and rail workers – a standard different from every other form of democratic election in our nation.

Republican leadership, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-OH), should understand the consequences and recognize Rep. Mica’s stubbornness is exacting on potential job creation and economic growth. Instead of relying on a series of short-term FAA extensions – subject to the whims of Sen. Coburn and other ideologues – Republican leaders in the House and Senate should work with responsible members of both Houses to forge an agreement to pass the long-term FAA Reauthorization bill without unrelated and unfair provisions.

Contact: Candice Johnson, 202-434-1168, cjohnson@cwa-union.org