[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 113 (Wednesday, July 13, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Page S5071]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       FAA CONTRACT TOWER PROGRAM

  Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, I want to applaud the passage of the 
Federal Aviation Administration FAA Reauthorization, as it strengthens 
security, provides for critical aviation infrastructure, and maintains 
access to affordable travel for Montanans as well as the rest of the 
country. However, while many important provisions were addressed in the 
FAA reauthorization, improvements to the Federal Contract Tower Program 
that I advocated for were not included.
  There are currently 253 airports in 46 States that participate in the 
Contract Tower Program, including three airports in my home State of 
Montana. The Contract Tower Program is a prime example of a successful 
government-industry partnership and provides safety and air traffic 
efficiency benefits to airports across our country.
  The Bozeman, Kalispell, and Missoula airports in Montana count on the 
Contract Tower Program to provide essential and cost-effective 
services. That is why I introduced an amendment in the Senate passed 
FAA reauthorization bill that would protect contract towers and require 
the FAA to respond to airports when additional control staff and hours 
are needed. Unfortunately, this 14-month FAA authorization extension 
legislation does not include this broadly supported provision.
  Congress must take seriously the management of taxpayer dollars, and 
be good stewards of such. The Contract Tower Program is a clear example 
of a cost-efficient program that provides essential safety services. In 
fact, according to FAA statistics, towers in this program are 
responsible for 28 percent of air traffic and utilize only 14 percent 
of total funding.
  Montanans are fully aware of the need for safe and reliable 
transportation services. They are also all too aware of the wasteful 
and careless spending by our Federal Government. Ensuring the Contract 
Tower Program is fully utilized is a commonsense solution that 
addresses both of these issues. I call on my Senate colleagues to join 
me in supporting this vital program.

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