[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 17 (Tuesday, February 11, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S1243]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                PRESIDENT'S BUDGET PROPOSAL FOR AVIATION

 Mr. McCAIN. Mr. President, I rise today to express my deep 
disappointment in the President's 1998 budget request for critical 
aviation safety and infrastructure purposes. Most notably, the 
administration proposes to fund the Airport Improvement Program [AIP] 
at only two-thirds of its current level. This represents a drastic cut 
to our Nation's airport grant program, which supports airport safety, 
security, and capacity programs.
  Mr. President, the administration has assured the American public of 
its commitment to a safe and secure aviation system. Without adequate 
resources, this assurance rings hollow.
  For instance, the White House Commission on Safety and Security is 
due to report tomorrow on a number of steps we should take to enhance 
the security of the aviation system. I expect the Commission will offer 
valuable insight on where we should go from here to implement 
additional security enhancements. How we pay for these enhancements is 
a significant issue.
  In addition, Congress approved and the President signed into law the 
Federal Aviation Reauthorization Act of 1996. Administration officials 
hailed the importance of the bill's safety and security initiatives. We 
all joined together at the signing ceremony in praise of the 
legislation's security improvements. However, these improvements are 
meaningless without adequate financial support. For politicians to 
praise their own efforts in a press conference and yet fail to provide 
sufficient resources is cynical, at best.
  Again, I want to be clear. The administration's actions and 
assurances are only as good as the resources allocated to implement 
them. Unfortunately, the administration submitted a budget request 
significantly short on aviation capital improvements, so that he can 
use these resources elsewhere in the budget to support his spending 
initiatives. Meanwhile, he knows he can count on Congress to step up to 
the plate and restore funding for vital aviation initiatives. Such 
budget chicanery is neither serious nor responsible.
  Past experience bears out this point. When President Clinton took 
office, the Airport Improvement Program was a $1.9 billion program. 
Every year, Congress has funded the program at a level higher than the 
request. For example, in fiscal year 1996, the AIP request was for $1.3 
billion, and Congress enacted a $1.45 billion level. In fiscal year 
1997, the administration requested $1.35 billion and Congress responded 
with a $1.46 billion appropriation. At the same time, the 
administration claimed record-level investments in transportation 
infrastructure improvements.
  The AIP funds more than just airport construction projects, 
which make airports safer and enhance the system's ability to handle 
ever increasing levels of air traffic. Airports also use these funds to 
support their security programs and purchase security-related 
equipment.

  The Administration's budget request also proposes reduced funding for 
the FAA facilities and equipment account. This account is the principal 
resource for modernizing and improving the air traffic control system, 
providing enhanced baggage screening equipment, and enhanced weather 
detection programs.
  I recognize that the Administration has made efforts to bolster its 
safety and security work force. Even so, a significant funding source 
for FAA operations depends on an unspecified user fee for which the FAA 
has no statutory authority to collect.
  Mr. President, this is not a serious budget proposal. The 
Administration should back up its safety and security recommendations 
with enough funding to put them in place. The Nation's air travelers 
have paid taxes dedicated to support the aviation system. They 
rightfully expect the Government's commitment to spend these funds on 
their intended purpose.

                          ____________________