Yesterday, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved an amendment to H.R. 1108, the Aviation Funding Stability Act of 2019.  The amendment, which was introduced by Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO), Ranking Member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, would increase funding for the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) by $650 million, from $3.35 billion to $4 billion per year, for fiscal years 2020 through 2023.  

The amendment, along with H.R 1108, was passed by voice vote today in the Committee.  The Alliance for Aviation Across America and other general aviation groups voiced their support for the amendment in a letter, which can be viewed here.  
In addition, Alliance for Aviation Across America Executive Director Selena Shilad issued the following statement:
“We are pleased that the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee passed legislation to help protect funding for the FAA.  In particular, we commend the Committee for including an amendment to increase funding for the Airport Improvement Program, which supports critical long-term funding projects and our national system of airports as a whole.  There are over 5000 airports around the country, the majority of which are general aviation airports, and play an essential role in supporting local businesses, driving economic activity and connecting communities to medical care, disaster relief, fire-fighting, and many other critical services.
“We look forward to working with Members of Congress on issues important to general aviation and local airports, including support for the Airport Improvement Program.”
The Airport Improvement Program originated from the Federal Airport Act of 1946, which was the first serious effort designed to create a system of national airports like the National Highway System.  H.R. 1108 now awaits consideration by the full U.S. House of Representatives.