FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 1, 2011
Contact:  Greg Lynskey, 703-836-8732 x 111, glynskey@aams.org 

AAMS Compels Congress to Complete FAA Reauthorization

Today, the Association of Air Medical Services (AAMS) strongly urges Congress to settle its differences and complete the long-awaited Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization.

“For the past several years, AAMS has been working closely with the FAA to allow for expanded safety technologies and procedures within the air medical community,” according to Dawn Mancuso, AAMS’ Executive Director and CEO.  “We have seen the difficulties the FAA faces when it is unable to budget or strategically plan for the long-term.  For most of this year, they have been operating on month to month authorizations.”

The FAA has not had a long-term authorization since 2007.  Sine then, the agency has been operating under a series of 20 short-term extensions.  Although the House of Representatives and the Senate passed FAA Reauthorization bills each of the past few years, a conference agreement has never been reached reportedly due to two or three isolated areas of disagreement.  Congress was unable to reach agreement on the 21st temporary extension, leaving the FAA partially shutdown with no budget authority.

Mancuso adds: “Through two Presidents and three different Congresses, the air medical community has waited for an FAA reauthorization.  By all accounts, there are only a few outstanding issues that continue to stall the process, holding hostage the many other important areas that would benefit from a reauthorization.  It is time for Congressional leaders to meet their responsibilities and work through the remaining issues as quickly as possible to allow the FAA to get back to their vital role in assuring air travel is safe and available for all Americans.”

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About AAMS - The Association of Air Medical Services (AAMS) is the only international trade association serving the entire air and ground medical transport community. AAMS strives to enhance the medical transport industry by promoting the highest level of industry safety; promoting quality patient care; inspiring commitment to the industry’s work, causes, and viability; and providing superior service to its members.  For additional information, visit the AAMS’ web site at www.aams.org.


For more information:
Gregory Lynskey
AAMS Government Relations Manager
909 N. Washington Street, Suite 410
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 836-8732 x111
glynskey@aams.org
www.aams.org