by Donald Wood
Last updated: 8:40 AM ET, Fri May 10, 2024
The United States Senate passed a five-year
reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Thursday,
paving the way for the House of Representatives to do the same before sending
the bill to President Joe Biden’s desk.
The FAA and NTSB reauthorization act was sponsored by
Commerce Committee Chair Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member Ted Cruz
(R-Texas), Aviation Subcommittee Chair Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) and Ranking
Member Jerry Moran (R-Kan.).
The legislation prioritizes investments that will strengthen
aviation safety, boost
consumer protections, grow the aviation safety workforce, advance
technology and innovation, and modernize the national airspace system into the
future.
“The American people expect and deserve the safest, most
reliable and modern aerospace system in the world and this landmark bill is
intended to deliver just that,” Sen. Cantwell said. “Our bipartisan legislation
sets clear priorities to strengthen aviation safety standards, implement new
safety technology, hire more Air Traffic Controllers and safety inspectors,
give passengers a guaranteed right to a refund, advance innovation and
modernize our air travel infrastructure nationwide.”
“With tonight’s overwhelming vote, we are one step closer to
getting this bill onto the president’s desk,” Cantwell continued.
According to the Senate Commerce Committee, the legislation
is expected to pass through the House of Representatives next week before
moving to the President’s desk.
The House had already adjourned for the week, so a one-week
extension to the FAA was reauthorized to give representatives time to
consider the legislation when they return next week.
“Our country’s aviation sector is the linchpin of our
economy,” Sen. Cruz said. “The historic investments and reforms in this
legislation will have a significant impact on the daily lives of people across
Texas and the nation.”
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