AMFA National - Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association

Dear AMFA Member:

KTC's legislative work on AMFA's behalf is reaching a crucial juncture. With the FAA Reauthorization finally schedule to reach the Senate floor, KTC's efforts to build a strong coalition in support of AMFA's issues will soon be coming to the forefront. During the month of February, KTC was able to continue gaining traction with AMFA's Congressional stakeholders in the House and Senate Aviation Subcommittees. Specifically, KTC has recently accomplished the following:

• Continued to work closely with House Senior Policy Advisor, Melanie Alvord to raise support for AMFA's insourcing/outsourcing issues.
• Tracked multiple pieces of pertinent aviation legislation.
• Held numerous other meetings with Committee staff and other Congressional Members' offices.

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 Reauthorization Act (HR 915/S1451)

NEW - The FAA Reauthorization Bill is extremely close to coming to a vote on the Senate floor. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid wants the bill to be addressed this week, but KTC sources are saying that Senator Bob Corker (R-TN) has a "hold" on the bill, which means it will definitely not be acted on unless there are 60 votes to move forward. Senator Corker's issue is apparently the language that would make it easier for certain FedEx employees (right now it will only specifically effect drivers) to unionize. Regardless of the hold, there is also talk that the Senate will not take up the Reauthorization until they finish with the Jobs Package (currently being worked on and expected to be finished this week). In a nutshell, expect the FAA Reauthorization to be taken up sometime within the next 14 days.

NEW - To this end, KTC has almost exclusively focused all of their efforts in readying for the fight. The Senate is clearly turning out to be influenced by big campaign donations on this matter, but so far, we are nonetheless finding a lot of support for AMFA's issues. A lot of amendments are expected to be brought up and things will change extremely rapidly over the next few days and weeks. Any unacceptable changes may have to be addressed utilizing House support when the two bills go to conference.

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

Appropriations for Department of Homeland Security (H2892/S1298)
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.

KTC has continued meeting with AMFA's stakeholders to promote its interests and issues. With the FAA Reauthorization so close to finally coming to the Senate floor, KTC's efforts in February have focused on the Senate and making sure that as things quickly move behind closed doors, that AMFA's issues are discussed and KTC staff are kept abreast of any important changes. The need to react quickly will be vital to AMFA's success.

Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, Subcommittee on Aviation
Held productive meeting with Gael Sullivan, Committee Liaison to discuss outsourcing. Reviewed AMVA one page document and found support for issues.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
Reached out to President Obama's new TSA Administrator nominee, retired Army Major General Robert Harding. Hoping to have an in person meeting with his Chief of Staff as soon as that individual is finalized.

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX - 30th)
Held another meeting with Melanie Alvord that was unfortunately cut short by the Congresswoman needing her assistance. Ms. Alvord has pledged to help us when the two bills go to conference soon. This will be one of our most vital allies.

Congressman Harry Mithchell (AZ - 5th)
In need of another discussion to reactivate Sky Harbor tour discussions.

Congressman Adam Smith (WA - 9th)
In need of another discussion to reactivate SeaTac tour discussions.

Senator Maria Cantwell (WA)
Attempting to use Senator Cantwell's office to keep us in the loop as events unfold on the FAA Reuathorization in the coming weeks. Her position on the committee will be a vital one.

Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (TX)
Also attempting to use Senator Hutchison's office to keep us in the loop as events unfold.