It wouldn't have mattered if the vote went through either way. Dubya would have vetoed anything that had the FAA going back to the negotiating table with natca. It included other provisions he would veto as well. Here is the link:
http://www.c-span.org/Content/PDF/saphr2881s.pdf ... Should Shumer have added the rail line provisions into a aviation bill? No way and there were other special interest additives from other senators as well. I am from NY and have to defend the senator because he has done great things for NY. Blaming one person for a bill is a little ridiculous. How bout the pro-airline republicans and democrats who were for a $25 user fee for GA IFR flights. If it were only for corporate jets, I would be for it, but being an instrument pilot, it wouldn't be fair to me or other GA pilots. We already pay enough in fuel taxes. Hopefully a democrat gets into office in January. At least the dems are pro-union. There is no doubt in my mind they would not veto a bill pushed through the senate that involved faa-natca negotiations. Mccain wants to privatize ATC. I am not for ample government involvement but I feel aviation is an industry that must be governed with the most attentive authority. By the way, I am an independent who votes both right and left so please don't think i am a dem trying to start a debate.
