WASHINGTON, July 23 (UPI) -- Republicans and Democrats in the U.S. Congress pointed fingers as their failure to approve short-term funding for the FAA left the agency facing layoffs.
The Senate, where the Democrats are in the majority, refused to pass a bill approved by the Republican-controlled House that would have cut subsidies for air service to some rural airports, The Washington Post reported Saturday. Congress is expected to take another stab at funding the Federal Aviation Administration Monday.
Officials say air traffic controllers and other essential personnel will continue to work. But about 4,000 FAA employees and thousands more construction workers could be laid off.
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood called the situation "disappointing."
"Because of their inaction, states and airports won't be able to work on their construction projects, and too many people will have to go without a paycheck. This is no way to run the best aviation system in the world," he said.
Rep. John Mica, R-Fla., head of the House Transportation Committee, blamed Democrats in the Senate.
"In light of the nation's pending financial disaster and soaring deficits, they couldn't find a way to cut even a few million dollars by accepting this minor request to reduce outlandish subsidies," Mica said.
