The U.S. House, setting aside for now attempts to deal with controversial aviation programs, approved a bill extending major Federal Aviation Administration programs through the end of the year.

"It's an insurance policy," said Jim Berard, director of communications for the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

The House is currently operating under a short-term authorization package passed as part of the Fiscal 2008 continuing resolution that expires November 16.

But the most recent measure comes as a direct result of a four-year FAA funding bill (HR 2881), which the House approved but which has not been considered by the U.S. Senate.

This latest measure approved an amended version of S. 2265, a bill extending the Essential Air Service program, which provides federal funding for air service to smaller communities. The latest House bill allows for operating authority. It does not provide for ticket tax authority, which must be approved by the House Ways and Means Committee.

The amendment now goes to the Senate for approval.

Robert W. Moorman