President Obama is urging the US Congress to avoid another partial Federal Aviation Administration shutdown by passing a long-term funding authorization bill.
Congress passed a short-term extension Aug. 4 that has allowed the agency to operate through Sept. 16.
"This should not be a Democratic issue or a Republican issue," Obama said.
The FAA has relied on 21 short-term authorizations since 2007. “The latest bill was held up over how to count no votes in union elections and funding for rural airports,” said the Federal Times.
Obama said Congress should pass a "clean" extension for FAA funding that would leave out those issues.
Rep. John Mica, R-Fla., the chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, said in a statement last month that Republicans were committed to working with President Obama and Democrats to pass an FAA extension and legislation for transportation improvements.
"I am returning to Washington to also consult with our Republican leadership before granting the 22nd FAA extension," Mica said.
By David Wilkening
