Bill Awaiting Action In The U.S. Senate

A group of aviation stakeholders has sent a letter to the leadership of the U.S. Senate urging quick action on a long-term reauthorization bill for the FAA.

The letter, which is signed by 33 organizations, states that a long-term reauthorization bill is essential to assure that the FAA can continue to provide activities and programs that maintain and advance the safest, most efficient aerospace system in the world.

"The U.S. aviation sector supports nearly 11 million jobs and contributes $1.6 trillion in economic activity. The aerospace industry needs dependable authority from the FAA and policymakers to continue to provide the highest level of service for aviation customers and meet the needs of the aviation industry and workforce," the letter states.

"The FAA and the traveling public have been subjected to short-term extensions of the FAA’s authority since 2015, and these stopgap measures have negatively impacted the FAA’s activities. A five-year reauthorization of FAA activities passed the U.S. House of Representatives on April 27. We appreciate the work of Chairman John Thune (R-SD) and Ranking Member Bill Nelson (D-FL) in advancing a bill out of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee. Prompt consideration by the Senate will enable discussions with the House to resolve any outstanding differences between the two bills, prior to the expiration of authority on September 30.

"Long-term legislation will allow employers, manufacturers, customers and communities the certainty to continue to build, invest, hire, innovate and grow in this dynamic industry. The 11 million people who work to make aviation fly count on this long-term legislation for their safety and security too. The FAA is foundational to the incredible safety record of aviation in the United States, making critical airport and air traffic investments in communities across this country and enabling innovation and the integration of new technology into the aviation system. The FAA’s success and that of the aviation system will be significantly enhanced by progress and passage of a long-term FAA reauthorization bill. There is bipartisan support for moving the FAA bill forward now to ensure safety, economic benefits, regulatory reform, and international competitiveness through a long-term reauthorization bill for the FAA. We are eager to assist you in securing consideration of this important legislation and we appreciate your leadership," the letter concludes.

FMI: Full letter text