FAA reauthorization stalled, extension likely

Lawmakers will probably need to pass another extension to fund the Federal Aviation Administration as negotiations on a final bill stall out. 

Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Chairman Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.) told The Hill on Tuesday that an extension appeared inevitable because of disagreements over adding long-distance slots at Reagan National Airport. The latest extension on the measure runs through Aug. 1. 

House Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Jim Oberstar (D-Minn.) is expected to offer an extension on Wednesday but details weren't available on Tuesday night. 

Virginia Sens. Jim Webb (D) and Mark Warner (D) are opposed to adding any additional long-distance slots at the airport because of concerns that larger planes needed to fly coast-to-coast would create more noise. 

Western lawmakers have pushed for expansion of the airport's so-called perimeter rule of 1,250 miles. If eased, the airport could see for the first time nonstop flights to cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Salt Lake City and Phoenix.

Rockefeller said last week he had hoped to have a bill ready before the August recess but a final has yet to emerge. 

The House is leaving town at the end of this week for the August recess. 

The Senate passed a two-year $34.5 billion measure in March while the House passed a $70 billion bill that covers 2009-2012 last year.