News Staff posted on March 18, 2013 11:01
U.S. Senate leaders announced Mar. 14 that work would continue this week to finish the continuing resolution to keep the government funded. HAI continues to urge its members to contact their U.S. Senators to request that they support Kansas Senator Jerry Moran’s amendment to save contract towers.
Senator Moran said he is still "optimistic" that the final list will include his amendment to keep dozens of contract air traffic control towers open, saying the Senate needs to make a statement now to keep the towers open when the next appropriations bill comes up.
"If we don't do this now, then they're gone. And I and others will have no opportunity in the appropriations process to solve this problem; so once they're gone, I don't think they'll ever be brought back. So this needs to happen."
Senators that have pledged to support the amendment include:
Democrat: Richard Blumenthal (Conn.), Mark Pryor (Ark.), Tim Kaine (Va.), Mark Warner (Va.), Ron Wyden (Ore.), Jeff Merkley (Ore.), Joe Manchin (W.Va.), Kay Hagan (N.C.), Amy Klobuchar (Minn.) and Jeanne Shaheen (N.H.).
Republican: Jim Inhofe (Okla.), John Boozman (Ark.), Pat Roberts (Kan.), Roy Blunt (Mo.), Mark Kirk (Ill.), Mike Johanns (Neb.) and Kelly Ayotte (N.H.).
If you do not see your senator listed, please contact their office today!
HAI is closely monitoring Senate floor action and will continue to provide updates as developments warrant.