Rep. Bill Shuster vowed Tuesday that he would amend his bill to privatize federal air traffic control in response to criticism, saying he would clarify that the new private entity that would run air traffic control would not be taxpayer-funded and that its activities would still be regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration.

“The bill clearly separates air traffic control service from the government. The new corporation will not receive any federal appropriations or backing of the federal government. To make this point crystal clear, we expect to adopt an amendment that will be even more explicit in prohibiting federal appropriations,” the Pennsylvania Republican said on the House floor Tuesday. “Furthermore, the federal government – Congress, [the Transportation Department] and FAA – will have oversight of air traffic control – just like every other aspect of our aviation system, including airlines and manufacturers.”