GOP files bill to privatize air traffic control [View all]

[bluevoter4life]

Source: The Hill

A Republican House member has filed a bill that would privatize some facets of the nation’s air traffic control as the Federal Aviation Administration struggles to meet deadlines to upgrade the system.

The measure would create a new private corporation that would oversee air traffic control functions that are currently handled by the FAA.

The legislation’s sponsor, Rep. John Mica (R-Fla.), said the measure would drastically improve the efficiency of air traffic control in the U.S.

“We’ve tried reform and reorganization, and we’ve created positions like the Chief Operating Officer within the Air Traffic Organization, but unfortunately our ATC technology and working conditions for air traffic controllers continue to fall further behind the rest of the world,” said Mica, who is a former chairman of the House Transportation Committee.

Read more: http://thehill.com/policy/transportation/239132-gop-files-bill-to-privatize-air-traffic-control

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As an air traffic controller employed by the FAA, this is the WORST possible idea. Your safety may be for sale to the lowest bidder. Our jobs may be at risk. Rethugs cut and cut and cut our budget, then complain the FAA can't meet it's deadlines. We currently have the busiest airspace in world, but also the safest and most efficient, and we would prefer to keep it that way. This needs to be stopped NOW. Our only hope is Obama vetoing any bill that come to his desk.