WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – member of U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations – today released the following statement after the Senate passed the FY2019 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related (THUD) Appropriations Act that provides funding to advance transportation infrastructure development, housing assistance and community development:

“This bipartisan bill proves that good things can happen when Republicans and Democrats come together to focus on everyday issues to improve the lives of all Americans: reliable transportation, affordable housing and responsible development of their cities and towns. Included in this legislation are several priorities important to our state, including funding for the Southwest Chief and the FAA Contract Tower Program, language to deter air traffic control privatization and resources to continue critical research being done at our institutes of higher education.”

This appropriations measure targets funding toward improving our nation’s transportation and housing infrastructure, continuing to improve our air traffic control (ATC) system, and maintaining rental assistance and community development programs.

Included in this legislation are several Sen. Moran-sponsored provisions:

Advanced Composites for WSU – Supports continued funding for the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Joint Advanced Materials and Structures Center of Excellence at Wichita State University to improve the safety and integrity of aircraft and aerospace structures.

Aircraft Certification – Appropriates funding for FAA’s Aircraft Certification Services critical for aviation manufacturers to enhance safety and compete in the global marketplace.

Federal Contract Tower Program – Includes full and dedicated funding for the program, which includes eight air traffic control towers in Kansas that provide important safety services to small airports nationwide while saving the FAA approximately $200 million annually.

ASSURE Center of Excellence for UAS Research – Maintains funding for FAA’s Center of Excellence for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Research. The University of Kansas, Kansas State University and Wichita State University are leaders among the 23 leading research institutions that comprise this Center.

ATC Privatization – Includes report language stating strong opposition to ATC privatization and FAA funding transfer authority to provide flexibility in ensuring continuity of air traffic operations.

Southwest Chief – Provides $50 million of Amtrak’s appropriations for long-term maintenance and safety improvements along the route and prohibits Amtrak from replacing long-distance train service with buses. 

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