WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today praised Senate passage of legislation to extend the current funding for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).  The bill, HR 1512, would extend the funding and authority of the FAA for six months.

“I applaud Senate passage of the six month FAA Extension through the end of FY2009,” said Senator Hutchison.  “It is important we provide the FAA with funding continuity and stability as it has safety, operational and developmental responsibilities it needs to address.  The extension will allow Congress time to work on a long term solution, a multi-year FAA Reauthorization bill.  I am committed to modernizing our dated air traffic control system and look forward to working with the Committee to address these and many other transportation challenges in the coming months.”

                                                                     #  #  #