Last night, Rep. Chip Cravaack offered a floor amendment to boost FFDO funding for FY13 to $35 million in the House Homeland Security Appropriations bill. The amendment was approved by voice vote. This represents a $10 million increase over current funding levels. ALPA strongly supports increased funding to the FFDO, and will continue to work with Congressional leaders to ensure a robust funding level in the Senate.

Today, a House Subcommittee approved funding for the Human Intervention Motivation Study (HIMS), a critical health program for professional airline pilots. HIMS is a federally-funded prototype alcohol and drug assistance program that coordinates the identification, assessment and medical re-certification of flight officers. It is a highly successful collaboration between the FAA, air carriers and pilot representatives. By approving funding for this ALPA priority, the committee allows the program to continue to operate for another three year cycle.