Earlier this week, the House adopted a short-term extension to the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) programs through July 15, 2016.  The two and a half month extension will presumably provide additional time for the House and Senate to reach an agreement for a long-term reauthorization of the FAA.  Despite the additional time, House and Senate FAA authorization proposals have stark differences in their approach, with the House measure containing a controversial proposal that would privatize the nation’s air traffic control system.  Included in both the Chamber’s proposals are extensions to three critical rural county programs, including the Airport Improvement Program, the Small Community Air Service Development Program, and the Essential Air Service program.