Congress will have to pass another short-term extension for FAA now that Senate efforts to pass a reauthorization bill have failed for a second time, say congressional aides.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid accused Republicans of obstructionism after a vote to limit debate on a version of the legislation was defeated yesterday 49-42. Reid needed to get 60 votes to head off a potential filibuster.

Reid also accused Republicans of “choosing to look out for airlines instead of their passengers,” noting the bill approved by both the Senate Finance and Commerce committees last month included a passengers’ bill of rights “to ensure travelers are treated with respect during long delays.”

But Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said the FAA measure was uncontroversial until Democrats loaded it with taxation measures to fund highways, railroads and other non-aviation concerns. Those issues were among the items in the bill earning a veto threat from the Bush Administration.

“This bill was on a fast track to passage,” McConnell said; “unfortunately, our friends across the aisle bogged it down with extraneous provisions that do nothing to improve airline safety.” Republicans were also angered by Reid’s use of a parliamentary procedure that, in effect, blocked further amendments, although the majority leader said he was willing to sit down with McConnell and discuss potential amendments.

“This was a vote over Senate procedures, not the substance of the FAA bill,” said American Association of Airport Executives President Charles Barclay, adding, “There is still time on the clock.”

Senate aides said an extension of FAA authority and funding would likely need to be passed before the most recent extension runs out in June. FAA authorization expired Sept. 30. “Given time, I hope that the Senate can find a way to address the concerns of those who objected to this bill,” said Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.), aviation subcommittee chair and the bill’s manager.

Complicating the senatorial debate, the White House has threatened a veto if the legislation includes non-aviation funding proposals. The White House also objects to provisions that would limit the Transportation Dept.’s attempts to manage congestion or eliminate language that could revive user fees.

The House passed its version of reauthorization in September and has been waiting for the Senate to reach an agreement over fees. Congress has kept FAA functioning since October through a series of short-term extensions.

Photo: Architect of the Capitol