The Senate approved the bipartisan Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act on Tuesday, which includes key aviation safety and consumer protection provisions.
The bill would authorize $33.1 billion in funding for FAA programs through September 2017. It also includes provisions to improve airport security, establish standards for airlines to disclose baggage fees and refund policies, and support airport infrastructure investments.
U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), the chairwoman of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Subcommittee on Aviation Operations, Safety and Security, worked to include key measures to improve airport security and safety in the bill.
“In light of growing security threats to our nation and American travelers, we must increase our focus on identifying gaps in security screening processes and take common sense steps to close these gaps,” Ayotte said. “As chair of the Aviation Subcommittee, I’m also pleased that the final bill includes a bipartisan measure I helped lead that will improve airport security and better protect the public by increasing airport employee vetting, boosting pre-screening for the TSA PreCheck program and improving information sharing.”
Ayotte also pushed for inclusion of requirements that air-traffic controllers receive in-person interviews before being hired, and that the hiring process be opened to more qualified applicants, including veterans.
Another Ayotte amendment to the bill would direct the Government Accountability Office to undertake a study on the trafficking of illegal drugs — including fentanyl and heroin — that are sized at international airports with flights into the U.S.
U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS), meanwhile, successfully included a measure in the reauthorization bill that would enable electric utilities to use unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in emergencies, and another provision requiring the FAA to ensure that medical kits can address the emergency needs of children.
“This FAA bill will make air travel safer by improving airport security and strengthening cybersecurity,” Wicker said. “Many of these passenger-friendly reforms are long overdue. Mississippi would see advancements to our aerospace industry under new standards for unmanned aircraft systems by FAA and the UAS Center of Excellence at Mississippi State University. I am hopeful that the Senate’s action will soon be replicated in the House before the short-term extension expires in July.”
U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) noted that the FAA reauthorization bill would protect air service to rural communities through the Essential Air Service (EAS) program, and that it would support airport infrastructure repairs at regional airports.
“I was pleased to help the Senate pass this consumer-friendly aviation bill that supports jobs, improves safety and helps passengers — all without raising taxes or fees on the public,” Capito said. “In West Virginia, small airports provide critical service to our state’s rural communities. This bill ensures that our smaller airports can continue to safely and reliably serve West Virginians and contribute to the state’s economy.”
U.S. Sen. John Hoeven (R-ND) successfully included amendments to the bill that would extend congressional authorization for the nation’s six UAS test sites for five years, and would enhance UAS research and development at the University of North Dakota.
“The importance of robust support for FAA programs can’t be overstated, especially for a geographically large state like North Dakota,” Hoeven said. “From support for airport improvements to consumer protection to unmanned aerial systems, the legislation will improve service and safety for the traveling public and ensure that test sites like the Northern Plains UAS Test Site continue to advance their mission of integrating UAS into the national airspace.”
U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) said the FAA reauthorization bill would address national security threats around the globe, and keep airports and the traveling public safe through increased vetting of employees, better coordination among agencies and specific requirements for TSA to address security vulnerabilities.
“Also included is my bipartisan measure to ensure airports – including in Iowa – aren’t disqualified from a particular grant solely because the airport provides a nominal lease to a military component,” Ernst said. “My proposal fosters a positive environment for negotiations to continue, in order to achieve a fair resolution that takes into consideration the perspectives of the airport boards, National Guard and U.S. Air Force.”
U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts (R-KS) called the FAA reauthorization bill a “critical measure to improve our national security” after its passage on Tuesday.
“The aviation industry remains one of Kansas’ most important economic sectors, and I’m pleased we passed this bill to improve service and security at all our airports,” Roberts said. “This is another example of the Republican Senate working in a bipartisan way to pass legislation directly impacting the American people.”
U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE), a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, worked to include a provision that would streamline the regulation certification process for aircraft manufacturers in the reauthorization bill.
“Through my work on the Senate Commerce Committee, I collaborated with aircraft manufacturers, like Lincoln’s Duncan Aviation, to include measures that would streamline the regulation certification process,” Fischer said. “These new provisions will help bolster Nebraska’s manufacturing industry and create jobs. Finally, I was proud to see several of my bipartisan amendments included in the final bill. They provide important updates that will increase opportunities for our veterans, protect young children, and offer increased flexibility for traveling mothers.”
U.S. Rep. Bill Shuster (R-PA), the chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, said that he appreciates the Senate’s work in passing the FAA reauthorization bill.
“We will take a look at the completed product, but in the House, we will continue to push forward with the AIRR Act,” Shuster said. “Transformational air traffic control reform is absolutely necessary to end the unacceptable status quo at the FAA and to ensure the future of America’s aviation system. I look forward to working with the Senate to complete a final bill this Congress.”