It seems pretty clear that the airlines are behind this ATC
privatization issue:


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AVflash Volume 9, Number 47b November 20, 2003
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FAA'S EXTREME MAKEOVER
On Tuesday, the FAA announced a major overhaul of its
organizational structure, with the aim of making the agency leaner
and more efficient. The new Air Traffic Organization (ATO)
business structure will consolidate the FAA's air traffic
services, research and acquisitions, and Free Flight Program
activities, and focus on providing the best service for the best
value to the aviation industry and the traveling public. "Today is
the first phase of creating a true, performance-based air traffic
organization," said Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta. The
ATO was developed under the guidance of Russell Chew, a former
American Airlines captain and executive who now serves as the
FAA's first chief operating officer.
http://www.avweb.com/eletter/archive...ll.html#186106