Pelosi Statement on Agreement to Reopen the FAA

Contact: Nadeam Elshami/Drew Hammill, 202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today after Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid announced an agreement on a short-term extension of the Federal Aviation Administration, subject to Senate approval, ending the partial shutdown of the agency and putting 74,000 transportation and construction workers back on the job:

“Today’s announcement is good news for American workers. The agreement means tens of thousands of people can return to their jobs, support their families, and strengthen our airports, our infrastructure, and our economy.

“With the immediate crisis behind us, Democrats are calling for passengers charged federal taxes for travel scheduled during the shutdown or forced to pay higher fares by certain airlines to receive refunds for these unnecessary ticket costs.

“Republicans must now return to the negotiating table to work toward a long-term FAA reauthorization that creates jobs, spurs growth, and respects workers’ rights. Democrats will stand strong on behalf of working families and our middle class against Republicans’ attempt to use this legislation as an excuse to intensify their assault on organized labor and hard-working Americans.

“Moving forward, Republicans must end their stalling tactics, abandon their attack on workers, and join Democrats to focus on the American people’s top priority: job creation.”

###