WASHINGTON, May 1, 2013 – President Obama signed legislation into law today that will avoid further furloughs of air traffic controllers across the nation, including in many rural areas.
Obama’s action came days after Congress scurried to approve the legislation after a national uproar over flight delays.
The Senate approved its bill by unanimous consent on April 25 while the House approved its legislation April 26 on a 361-41 vote.
The law allows the transportation secretary to transfer funds into the Federal Aviation Administration's operations budget to prevent essential employees, such as air traffic controllers, from being furloughed.
Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Sen. Mark Udall, D-Colo., offered the bill in the Senate. Rep. Tom Latham, R-Iowa, introduced it in the House.
The law directs the secretary to fund and continue the operation of the control towers program.
The FAA announced April 27 that it has suspended all employee furloughs.
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