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Managing America: Transportation

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Week Ending July 22, 2011

H.R.2553 To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the funding and expenditure authority of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, to amend title 49, United States Code, to extend the airport improvement program, and for other purposes.

The Airport and Airway Trust Fund is largely supported by various taxes and fees on airports, air passengers, baggage, aviation fuel, and for the use of airspace over the country. The current authorization for the program expires on July 22, 2011. The bill extends the program through September 16^th to allow for more thorough attention at a later date.

The bill authorizes appropriations for the Airport Improvement Program at $3.4 billion.

Regarding the Essential Air Service Program that supports small airports with per passenger subsidies around $1000 per passenger the bill establishes that the airport in question must be at least 90 miles from the nearest medium or large hub airport. The provision does not apply to Alaska and the Secretary of Transportation can decide if an airport qualifies if it is within 90 miles of a hub but geographical characteristics of the location result in undue difficulty assessing the nearest hub.

Sponsor:  Rep. John Mica (R-FL-7^th)

Vote:

Motion to recommit.

Text of the motion:

 SEC. 7. BAGGAGE FEES FOR MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES.
(a) Fees.--No air carrier may charge any fee for the transport of 4 or fewer items of baggage checked by a member of the Armed Forces who is--
(1) traveling in scheduled air transportation on official military orders; and
(2) being deployed on or returning from an overseas contingency operation.
(b) Definition.--For purposes of this section, the term ``baggage'' does not include an item whose weight exceeds 80 pounds.

The motion failed 187 to 244 RC 610

The bill passed 243 to 177 RC 611

August 5, 2011 - The Senate agreed to the bill by Unanimous Consent.

Cost to the taxpayers: $3.4 billion.

Pay-as-you-go requirements:

Cut-as-you-go requirements:   

Regulatory impact:  

Earmark Certification:  

Constitutional Authority:  By Mr. MICA:

       H.R. 2553.

       Congress has the power to enact this legislation pursuant

     to the following:

       Article I, Section 8 of the United States Constitution, specifically Clause 1, Clause 3, and Clause 18.

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