Voice Vote Sends The Measure To The Full Senate

The Senate Commerce Committee has passed its version of the FAA Reauthorization Bill on a voice vote, and sent the measure on to the full Senate.

The bill differs from the House bill in that it does not include plans to privatize Air Traffic Control, an idea which has drawn much criticism from the GA and business aviation communities.

“This passenger-friendly aviation reform legislation improves safety and incorporates over 50 amendments offered by both committee Democrats and Republicans,” said committee Chairman John Thune (R-SD) in a statement posted on the committee website. “In preparing for the future of aviation, our committee has acted to continue advancing unmanned aircraft systems and other aviation innovations while offering airline passengers new protections following recent incidents.”

In a statement following the committee vote, NATA president Paul Hiller said that the organization "thanks Chairman Thune (R-SD), Ranking Member Nelson (D-FL) and the other Commerce Committee members for approving consensus legislation benefiting the entire aviation community. The fact the Commerce Committee could act so swiftly today on this major piece of aviation legislation stands in sharp contrast with Tuesday’s long and contentious House markup.

"We appreciate the Committee's inclusion of Senator Catherine Cortez Masto’s (D-NV) amendment directing the FAA to report on its efforts to combat illegal charter. Her amendment will help us better understand the scope of the issue and what future steps the Committee might need to take to protect passengers and legitimate businesses. This, and other NATA supported recommendations included in the bill, will allow the agency to continue to move toward a more efficient operating structure.

"NATA deeply appreciates the Commerce Committee’s rejection of the partisan, divisive approach taken by the House Transportation Committee and hopes the full Senate will take-up and approve this legislation before the August recess.”

FMI: www.commerce.senate.gov, List of Amendments,  www.nata.org