Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association
Keys to the Capitol Monthly Update - January 2010 PDF Print E-mail
Thursday, 28 January 2010

Dear AMFA Member,

KTC continued its march towards cultivating a favorable environment for AMFA's issues throughout the entire holiday season. Despite Congress's multiple long recesses and the large amount of staff vacations occurring during this time period, KTC was able to continue the process of moving the focus from AMFA's Congressional stakeholders to the House and Senate Aviation Subcommittees.

Specifically, KTC has recently accomplished the following: 

  • Worked closely with House Senior Policy Advisor, Melanie Alvord to raise support for AMFA's insourcing/outsourcing issues.
  •  Opened discussions with Paul Oronato to bring AMFA into the fold with his coalition's bankruptcy fight.
  • Continued to work with Congressman Smith's office to find a date and format for a tour of AMFA's SeaTac operations.
  • Tracked multiple pieces of pertinent aviation legislation.
  •  Held numerous other meetings with Committee staff and other Congressional Members' offices.

Legislation

KTC continued to meet with various members of Congress and committee staff to discuss outstanding legislation. In addition, KTC legislative tracking system continued to monitor AMFA specific bills.

FAA Funding Extension Bill (HR 4217) –
NEW – The President has now signed this piece of legislation. - PUBLIC LAW 111-116

FAA Reauthorization Act (HR 915/S1451)
NEW - Letter written to Senate leadership from 35 Senators on both sides of the aisle expressing their strong desire to see this bill passed soon.
NEW - KTC has begun the process of moving through the House and Senate Aviation Subcommittees to discuss this legislation and ensure AMFA's needs are met. Initial meeting held with Chairman Jerry Costello's office. More to follow.
NEW - KTC has discussed this bill in depth with Senior Policy Advisor, Melanie Alvord next meeting set for February 5th.Passed the House.

Currently awaiting floor debate in the Senate.

 

Appropriations for Department of Transportation, HUD & Related Agencies  (HR 3288)
NEW – KTC finished analyzing bill and has determined to effect to AMFA's current agenda.

 

Appropriations for Department of Homeland Security (H2892/S1298)
NEW - KTC trying to secure a meeting with Homeland Security to discuss this and other issues.

 

Transportation Safety Administration Authorization Act (HR 2200) Sent to Transportation Committee and awaiting Committee vote. KTC monitoring closely to ensure synergies with AMFA's legislative agenda.

 

Airline Safety and Pilot Training Improvement Act of 2009 (HR 3371) Passed out of the House under suspension of the rules in late October. Currently sitting in the Senate Transportation Committee awaiting vote. KTC monitoring closely to ensure training requirements don't encroach into AMFA's arena.

Stakeholder Meetings

KTC has continued meeting with AMFA's stakeholders to promote its interests and issues.

 

Coalition of Airline Pilots Association
o  Discussed with President, Paul Onorato ways AMFA can assist the coalition's bankruptcy efforts using KTC's Capitol Hill connections.
o  Awaiting response on what capacity we can join in. 

 

Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, Subcommittee on Aviation
o  Scheduled a meeting with Gael Sullivan, Committee Liason to discuss outsourcing.

 

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
o  Continued discussions with the FAA, but no in-person meeting set yet.

 

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX - 30th)
o  Congresswoman advanced our discussions to Senior Policy Advisor, Melanie Alvord.
o  Brought Melanie up to speed on AMFA issues and mutually drafted another letter for Committee staff.
o  Next meeting scheduled for February 5. 

 

Congressman Harry Mithchell (AZ - 5th)
o  Continued dialogue with Congressman Mitchell to get him out to Sky Harbor airport for an official tour of AMFA facilities.

 

Congressman Adam Smith (WA - 9th)
o  Continued dialogue with Congressman Smith to get him out to SeaTac airport for an official tour of AMFA facilities.

 

Senator Maria Cantwell (WA)
o  Followed up on previous meeting with Senator Cantwell to leverage her support to help ensure favorable meetings with other Committee members.
o  Hoping to get a letter (similar to the one from Congresswoman Johnson) from Cantwell to the Senate Chair.

 

Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (TX)
o  Legislative Director for Senator Hutchison has been out of the office on extended leave. Scheduled to return next week and KTC will follow up on our last meeting and how to move forward with her support at that time. 

 

House Transportation Committee

o  Held meeting with Jana Denning, Committee Liason to discuss outsourcing and Congresswoman Johnson letter. Still awaiting next steps.
 
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