U.S. Rep. Richard Neal (D-MA), ranking member on the House Committee on Ways and Means, recently sent a letter to committee chairman Kevin Brady (R-TX), highlighting a problem with House bill 2997, which would privatize the nation’s air traffic control (ATC) system.
Neal indicated that the bill would shift $14 million in air transportation excise taxes from the committee to a private board. The board would have the authority to establish fees for airlines to access ATC.
“I urge that any consideration of H.R. 2297, including a possible tax title that could be added to such legislation, be undertaken under regular order, including discussion in a public hearing and a full legislative markup,” Neal said.
The committee should not waive jurisdiction over revenue collection, Neal said. He urged Brady to work together with him, despite their differing views on the bill, to ensure the committee is fully aware of the issue.
Neal is not the only one voicing concern over the bill.
The Congressional Budget Office recently said privatizing ATC would increase the national deficit by at least $20 billion by 2027.
The National Business Aviation Association also has expressed concern about the bill, stating that a private entity would operate for its own interests without government oversight.