FAA's Existence Secured (Until the Next Reauthorization at Least)

It seems to be a running theme with the FAA that things are never just running smoothly whenever it comes up for reauthorization, with a neverending back and forth between the Senate and House as lawmakers play the bureaucratic game - thankfully, this round may finally be coming to an end.

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association applauded the impending deal, noting that the industry finally has a bipartisan, bicameral Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization bill. Boring? Yes, but necessary to keep things afloat in the luxe life of the modern American. That 2-day shipping and overnighted tchotchkes have to be delivered somehow, and without air transit the world of just-in-time logistics would grind to an utter halt. So even if it's just one more episode in the never ending will-they-won't-they of the FAA's funding every couple years, it's a happy ending of sorts just to ensure continuity of care.

"It is very encouraging to see that U.S. House and Senate aviation committee leaders have been able to work together to put forth a bipartisan, bicameral bill to reauthorize the FAA," said GAMA president Pete Bunce. Speaking on behalf of a string of domestic aircraft makers & shakers, he applauded the impending reauthorization. "This is welcome progress, especially as GAMA members are preparing to take their advocacy efforts directly to lawmakers during our Capitol Hill Day next week. We will be pushing for swift passage of the bill, which will move both the FAA and industry forward by addressing safety issues, improving rulemaking and certification processes, strengthening the FAA's international effectiveness, supporting workforce development, maintaining sustainability efforts and fostering innovation. We applaud Senators Maria Cantwell, Ted Cruz, Tammy Duckworth and Jerry Moran, and Representatives Sam Graves, Rick Larsen, Garret Graves and Steve Cohen and their staffs for their leadership and hard work to put forth a compromise bill that provides long-term direction to the FAA and supports the industry's prioritization of increasing levels of safety and innovation. We urge the Senate and House to pass this bill before the May 10th expiration of the current authorization."

FMI: www.transportation.house.gov