August 26, 2008
Senator Max Baucus, Chairman,
Senate Committee on Finance
SD-219 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington D.C. 20510-6200
Dear Senator Baucus:
The National Grange, the nation’s oldest general farm and rural public interest organization, would like to express its full support for the FAA reauthorization proposal that is currently being considered by the U.S. Senate. As you are aware, America finds itself at a critical crossroad regarding the future of our air transportation system and Congress must act now to support this vital public infrastructure before crucially needed funding expires on September 30th of this year. Recently, the Senate Finance Committee, together with the Senate Commerce Committee, reached a reasonable and common sense compromise that would bring the FAA reauthorization bill to the Senate floor. We wish to thank you, and all of your Senate colleagues, for your outstanding leadership on this bill and offer our full support for your ongoing efforts.
In addition to improving air travel over the long term, a multi-year bill would create jobs and generate significant economic activity for our rural communities, including many long-term airport projects in rural and underserved areas. If this legislation is not adopted this year, we will have to start over again with a new Congress and a new Administration. The aviation industry as well as the farming and rural communities that depend on reliable, cost effective general aviation services that operate from our nation’s 2500 community airports simply cannot afford to wait that long.
Grange members across the nation are very hopeful that your fellow Senators will join you in your ongoing efforts to finally pass an FAA bill that is both good for our economy, easy to administer and sensitive to the needs of businesses and communities of all sizes. We look forward to continuing our work with you.
Sincerely,
Leroy Watson, Legislative Director
National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry
1616 H St. NW
Washington DC 20006
Phone: (202) 628-3507 ext. 114
Fax: (202) 347-1091
Email: lwatson@nationalgrange.org
cc. Senate Committee on Finance, Senate Committee on Commerce |
