Congressman Gregory W. Meeks Votes Against FAA Reauthorization Bill That Would Hurt Workers Rights

Today, the House passed H.R. 658, the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 by a margin of 248-169. Congressman Meeks joined 157 of his Democratic colleagues in voting against the bill.

JAMAICA, NY-- Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (NY-6), Senior Member of the House Financial Services Committee and House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement on H.R. 658, the FAA Modernization and Reform Act:

“I voted against this bill in its current form because the labor provisions did not belong in this legislation and they could ultimately harm airline and railroad workers. After four and a half years and 23 extensions, it was time to have a multi-year FAA reauthorization bill that met the air travel demands of a growing and prosperous nation. Unfortunately, the Republican leadership chose to add this poison pill to a bill that was intended to create jobs and spur economic activity.

“The largest employer in my congressional district is John F. Kennedy International Airport, America's gateway to the world. Kennedy Airport generates more than $32 billion in economic activity, and provides direct employment for 60,000 people while also indirectly supporting an additional 200,000 jobs.

“I have been a strong supporter of a long term reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration. This bill could have provided a bipartisan opportunity to properly fund NEXTGEN air traffic control modernization, which would help to reduce air traffic delays for consumers, reduce greenhouse gas emissions. I support having a multi-year authorization will provide certainty for investment and expansion at the airport, which can in turn support job creation.

“I am extremely dismayed, therefore, that the House Republican Leadership felt it necessary to put in provisions that would make it more difficult for workers to unionize. This would be a step backward for rail and aviation workers’ rights. Instead of seeking to concentrate on job creation, House Republicans have chosen to focus on advancing an agenda that will undermine the rights of working men and women.

“Unfortunately, because of this poison pill, I was unable to support this bill in its current form.”