Congressman Fred Upton (R- St. Joseph) made the following statement after today’s announcement that the U.S. Senate will take up the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Reauthorization extension on Friday. The Senate is expected to agree to a House-passed version of a temporary funding extension that would last until Sept. 16, 2011.

"I know first-hand the difficulties our local airports have had for the duration of the construction season for ongoing projects that have inconvenienced our travelers as well as laid-off construction workers that help our local economies. In the last week, I have heard directly from our airports and talked directly to Secretary of Transportation, Ray LaHood, this morning regarding the difficulties we are facing. I am very pleased that an accord was reached and the extension of the FAA Reauthorization can pass on a voice vote in both the House and Senate immediately."