
by Donald Wood
Last updated: 8:45 AM ET, Mon July 24, 2023
As the United States Congress prepares for summer recess in
August, the travel industry is calling for members of the Senate to markup its
version of the Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization bill.
In June, lawmakers introduced the bipartisan FAA
Reauthorization Act, HR 3935, which includes funding for FAA reforms,
workforce development, airport infrastructure and aviation safety.
The Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American
Aviation Act would reauthorize the FAA for the next five years. Last week, the U.S.
House of Representatives passed
the legislation, but it still needs approval through the Senate.
As Congress continues to consider the legislation, the U.S.
Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman issued a statement on the
urgent need for the Senate to markup its version of the bill.
“While the Senate may be eager to fly home to start their
August recess, millions of Americans have missed trips and lost time with
family and friends this summer due to delays and cancellations caused by years
of government inattention. The whole of the U.S. economy pays a price when a
trip is delayed—or avoided entirely due to air travel hassles.
“In fact, over half of Americans say they would travel
more if the experience were less of a hassle.
“The Senate must markup its FAA reauthorization bill this
week. American travelers cannot wait any longer for Congress to fix the numerous,
systemic issues that have plagued the U.S. air travel system and constrained
economic growth.”
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