Congress passes extension of FAA powers, programs to July

WASHINGTON (AP) - Congress has passed a bill extending the Federal Aviation Administration's powers and programs through mid-July to give lawmakers time to work on a longer-term aviation policy measure.

The House approved the bill Monday by a voice vote; the Senate previously approved the bill. The bill now goes to President Barack Obama for his signature. The FAA's current operating authority expires March 31.

The House transportation committee passed a six-year FAA bill in February that would place responsibility for running the nation's air traffic control system under a private, nonprofit corporation. Supporters say privatization would speed modernization of the system. GOP leaders sidelined the bill after powerful lawmakers objected to ceding congressional power to a corporation.

A Senate committee passed its own long-term bill without a privatization plan last week.