Let Experienced Pilots Fly
“EXPERIENCE MATTERS”
Where is the Bill?
Dear Colleagues,
For those wondering how laws are made in the US Congress, here is a brief explanation from introducing a bill to the POTUS signing it into law.
Introduction:
A member of Congress (House or Senate) introduces the bill. It gets assigned a number (example, H.R. 123 or S. 456).
Referral to Committee:
The bill is referred to a relevant committee (or committees) that handles its subject matter. In our case it is the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee and in the House of Representatives it’s the Aviation Subcommittee of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
Committee Action:
The committee may hold hearings, make amendments, and vote on whether to send the bill forward.
If the committee approves it, the bill goes to the full chamber. If not, it “dies” in committee.
Floor Debate and Vote (First Chamber):
The full House or Senate debates the bill. Members may propose further amendments.
A vote is held; if it passes by majority, the bill moves to the other chamber.
Second Chamber Process:
The bill goes through the same process in the other chamber: committee review, floor debate, and vote.
If the second chamber passes the bill without changes, it goes to the President.
If amended, the differences must be resolved.
Conference Committee (if needed):
A joint committee of House and Senate members works out a compromise version.
Both chambers must approve the final version. This step is to reconcile the differences between the two bills, before it goes to the full House and Senate floor for a vote.
Presidential Action:
The President can sign the bill into law.
- The President can veto it.
Congress can override the veto with a two-thirds vote in both chambers.
If the President does nothing for 10 days while Congress is in session, the bill automatically becomes law.
If Congress adjourns during that 10-day period and the President takes no action, it is a pocket veto and the bill dies.
As you can see, these things take time. Rest assured that if it were in our hands alone, this would’ve changed almost 3 years ago! However, we must have a bill introduced before any grassroots efforts (DC Visits, Calls, Letters, etc.) are effective.
We are working with our allies for the introduction of a bill very soon. Congress’ focus is still on the administration’s 100 day agenda, finalizing staffing, and the current challenges we all see in the news.
As soon as a bill is introduced, you will be the first to know. In the meantime, your financial support, as a member and/or PAC contributor is essential. Every little bit helps, so thank you in advance for your continued support. Click here raisethepilotage.com to donate.
Latest developments:
Last week, we held another strategy meeting with our lobbyists. Congress has been in recess for the past two weeks, and reconvenes on April 28th.
Some of you have asked about visiting Capitol Hill and speak to congressional members. Once a bill is introduced, we will organize a group visit to DC and will pair pilots with their respective senators and representatives. It is important that we have constituents visit congress. It will be planned, coordinated, and specific meetings scheduled to advocate for RTA.
The Hill visits will be preceded by a grassroots Call To Action (C2A) campaign where we will flood their offices with phone calls and emails. During C2A campaigns, all family and friends of our members are encouraged to participate. There will be more information on this once the appropriate timeline has been established.
In addition to Barry having dinner with Sen. Cruz on the 29th, we have a few meetings scheduled for next week, as we continue to set the foundation to re-introduce the bill and keep our relationships on the Hill fresh and updated.
Our LEPF PAC (Political Action Committee) is active. Whether we agree or not, political contributions are part of the process in conducting business in DC. It is imperative that we have a place at the table. An old friend once said: “If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu.” Click here raisethepilotage.com to donate.
We are finalizing a fund-raising lunch for Sen. Marsha Blackburn in Nashville, on May 30th, so mark your calendars. Sen. Blackburn has been a steady advocate to RTA and has taken some initiatives in that effort. More details to follow…
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS! Our membership is growing and we want to thank our new members for joining us in our effort, as well as their generous contributions. Please help grow our membership by directing those supporters you fly with to join our cause.
Thank you for your donations and your continued involvement in fighting this discrimination on our profession.
Experience Matters!
LEPF