Policy Archives - Page 64 of 105

February 22, 2015

Policy, Policy Statements

Job-Killing Fast Track Should Be Rejected

Transportation labor stands in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in the labor movement in opposing Trade Promotion Authority, or “Fast Track.” For too long this flawed policy has guided our country’s trade laws, and it’s time for Congress to throw out the old model and develop a new plan that works for our nation’s…
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February 22, 2015

Policy, Policy Statements

Eight Principles for a Long-Term Surface Transportation Reauthorization

The current surface transportation authorization, the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21), expired last fall. Congress has passed an extension bill that is set to expire at the end of May, which means the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) that invests in transit and highway programs faces insolvency again if lawmakers fail…
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February 22, 2015

Policy, Policy Statements

Air Safety Rules Should Dictate Use of Commercial Drones

The integration of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), or “drones,” into our nation’s airspace has received much attention in recent months. Striking the right balance between the absolute necessity of maintaining existing safety levels in the National Airspace System (NAS), the potential value of UAS to the economy, and the need for regulations that encompass the…
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February 22, 2015

Policy, Policy Statements

Want Safer Railroads? We Have a Plan.

Since the last rewrite of federal railroad safety laws in 2008, an increased number of hazards identified by both employees and government agencies, coupled with significant growth in the industry, has put a spotlight on the need for legislative action to impose needed safety reforms. Congress must move forward on the expired Rail Safety Improvement…
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February 22, 2015

Policy, Policy Statements

Reforms to Preserve US Postal Service, Good Jobs

The United States Postal Service (USPS) and its dedicated workforce have been serving our country and keeping our economy moving for over two centuries. But despite its popularity among the overwhelming majority of Americans, USPS faces unprecedented challenges and fiscal difficulties, most of which are a product of bad decisions and missed opportunities in Washington.…
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February 22, 2015

Policy, Policy Statements

US DOT Must Ground Norwegian Air Scheme

U.S. air carriers and their employees cannot be forced to compete with foreign airlines that seek to gain an economic advantage by violating the very air transport agreements that allow them to enter the U.S. marketplace in the first place. That is why transportation labor has waged an aggressive effort to stop Norwegian Air International’s…
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February 22, 2015

Policy, Policy Statements

Reforming Food Aid for the Future

For six decades, the United States has played a leading role in helping to alleviate global hunger through the Food for Peace Program. This history of success stems in part from the program’s dual mission of distributing food aid to people in need while simultaneously supporting an American maritime industry capable of meeting our military’s…
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February 22, 2015

Policy, Policy Statements

Policy Reforms to Make Hazardous Materials Transportation Safer

Few transportation safety issues have as far-reaching effects as the transport of hazardous materials and toxic chemicals. Strong laws and regulations surrounding the movement of these materials are essential to protecting not only workers but also the public and local communities who are risk when an accident occurs. Congress and the administration must address the…
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February 22, 2015

Policy, Policy Statements

Priorities for a Long-Term FAA Reauthorization Bill

The U.S. aviation industry plays a central role in our national economy. Two million passengers fly on 70,000 flights every single day in America. The industry supports almost 12 million jobs and over $1.5 trillion in total economic activity, and accounts for 5.4 percent of our GDP. In other words, our aviation sector is a…
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February 22, 2015

Policy, Policy Statements

The Necessary Components of a Long-Term Amtrak Reauthorization Bill

Transportation labor has been a leader in insisting on sustainable investment in Amtrak’s national network. Throughout the history of Amtrak, whose creation in 1971 followed the bankruptcy of private passenger rail operations, the passenger railroad company has been chronically underfunded. Even worse, for four decades too many politicians have attempted to shutdown Amtrak through bankruptcy…
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