The U.S. House of Representatives on July 20 voted 351-69 to approve a bipartisan bill sponsored by U.S. Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO) to reauthorize both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) through fiscal year 2028. The bill now advances to the U.S. Senate for consideration.
“I appreciate the work of all my colleagues who helped develop and move this bill through the House today,” Rep. Graves said, “and I look forward to finishing work on this bill with the Senate before the current FAA law expires in September.”
The Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act, H.R. 3935, which Rep. Sam Graves introduced on June 9 alongside three original cosponsors, including U.S. Reps. Rick Larsen (D-WA) and Garret Graves (R-LA), also would address a wide range of issues, according to the congressional record bill summary.
For example, H.R. 3935 would direct the FAA to increase air traffic controller hiring targets; establish a workforce development program to support the education, recruitment, and retention of aviation professionals; increase the commercial airline pilot retirement age to 67 from 65; prohibit aircraft dispatchers from working remotely, with limited exceptions for emergencies; and require the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish standards to ensure the aircraft boarding and deplaning process is accessible for individuals with disabilities, including for individuals who use wheelchairs, among numerous other provisions.
“America has always been the gold standard in aviation, and this bill ensures that we remain the world leader,” said Rep. Sam Graves, chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. “This bipartisan legislation improves the safety of our system, our airport infrastructure, and the quality of service for passengers. Not only that, this bill will make the FAA more efficient, encourage the safe adoption of new and innovative technologies, and address growing workforce shortages, from pilots and mechanics to air traffic controllers.
“In addition,” he said, “this bill provides the first title dedicated specifically to our critical general aviation sector – the backbone of the American aviation system.”
Rep. Garret Graves, Aviation Subcommittee chairman, pointed out that H.R. 3935 makes “transformative changes” in the passenger experience and private aviation.
“Innovators in the Unmanned Aerial Systems and Advanced Air Mobility space also get the regulatory certainty they need to deploy some of the world’s most impressive technologies,” he said.
Additionally, H.R. 3935 would make targeted changes to the organizational structure of the FAA to improve overall efficiency, allow for innovation, and streamline the regulatory process, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.
If enacted, the measure also would authorize robust funding for airport infrastructure, including prioritizing investments for small and GA airports, and streamline project delivery, among other provisions, the summary says.
“This is also a jobs bill,” added Rep. Larsen. “It helps to build the economy from the middle out and the bottom up, and diversifies our workforce, recognizing how critical that effort is to our nation’s long-term economic success.”