WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Representative Charles Bass (R-NH02) voted today for legislation that extends the Airport Improvement Program for the remainder of the fiscal year. The program is scheduled to expire on March 31, 1999.

"We need sufficient time to draft a comprehensive bill that is going to provide the American people with safe and reliable air service," said Bass who serves on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. "I will work to make sure the legislation includes adequate funding for airport improvements in New Hampshire."

By extending the Airport Improvement Program until September 30, 1999, the bill allows the full $1.95 billion allowed by the obligation ceiling to be spent on airport improvements. The bill also reauthorizes the FAA's Air Traffic Control Facilities and Equipment Program and the FAA's Operating Budget, both of which currently are operating with appropriations but not an authorization.

Bass, who sits on the Aviation Subcommittee and is an instrument-rated pilot, said he will also work to take the Airport and Airway Trust Fund off-budget.

"This legislation gives us the time we need to craft a good bill that ensures that all airline ticket taxes paid by passengers are used to build and maintain our aviation infrastructure. Last year, we moved the Highway Trust Fund off-budget to guarantee that all gasoline taxes are spent on building and improving our roads, highways, and bridges. Now is the time to move the Airport and Airway Trust Fund off-budget, too."

Air passengers currently pay a 8% ticket tax on their airline ticket purchases. These revenues along with other aviation user fees and taxes are deposited in the aviation trust fund and can only be used to build and revitalize airports. Over the years, however, Congress has failed to spend all of the aviation funds to improve our aviation infrastructure and instead has used the surplus funds to mask the size of the budget deficit.