Another FAA Shutdown Looms

There could be a repeat of the partial shutdown of the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration. Congress, returning from a month-long break, has only a few days to pass a 22nd extension of the FAA's operating authority or finally hash out a new long-term funding measure. With the House and Senate continuing to squabble over FAA reauthorization bills, President Obama has issued a plea for lawmakers to at least pass a "clean" extension--one that doesn't introduce anything not in the previous reauthorization or extensions--before the September 16 expiration of the current extension. The major stumbling block appears to be differing provisions that involve unionization of airline employees.