The F.A.A., After the Republicans

nytimes.com — Here is what has happened since the Federal Aviation Administration lost its authorization on July 23, courtesy of House Republicans. The agency has not collected more than $300 million in taxes (money the airlines have mostly pocketed). It has had to furlough some 4,000 workers and halt construction projects worth $11 billion in 241 airports, putting 70,000 more people out of work. Salaries for airplane inspectors and air traffic controllers come from other funds. But the F.A.A. had to stop paying 40 airport inspectors, who continue — incredibly and thankfully — to do their jobs. And why is this happening? Republicans, who are experts at such maneuvers, have been holding the reauthorization of the F.A.A. hostage for months, trying to get Democrats in the Senate to agree to weaken transportation workers’ rights.

more »