Bill To Avert Another FAA Shutdown May Be Held Up By An Oklahoma Senator

NewsOn6.com

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Federal Aviation Administration may be facing the threat of another partial shutdown thanks to the objections of Oklahoma Senator Tom Coburn.

Coburn is refusing to give his consent on a stopgap transportation bill because he wants to change portions of it.

Republican Tom Coburn is objecting to the compromise bill, John Hart, a spokesman for Coburn, said.

Coburn is drafting an amendment would reduce funding for "transportation enhancements," including bike paths and beautification programs, Hart said.

However, it doesn't appear Coburn has enough support to hold up passage of the measure.

The Senate rules don't allow lawmakers to shift from that bill to the FAA funding measure until all lawmakers give their consent.

If the measure does not pass by Friday, the FAA's current operating authority will expire forcing a partial shutdown, putting thousands of workers out of jobs and depriving the government of $30 million a day in uncollected airline ticket taxes.