When Rep. Bill Shuster (R-PA) tried to pass his FAA reauthorization bill in 2016, he found resistance in Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO), who is a general aviation pilot. However, after making some changes, including the elimination of GA user fees, Shuster’s 2017 effort made a believer out of Graves, who heralded the 21st Century AIRR Act as it was passed by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee by a vote of 32-25.
Rep. Sam Graves’ Support for AIRR Act Contradicts ‘Best Interests’ of General Aviation
Key Takeaways:
- Rep. Sam Graves, initially a critic, now supports the 21st Century AIRR Act for FAA reauthorization after key changes, including the elimination of general aviation (GA) user fees.
- Graves advocates for the bill and air traffic control (ATC) privatization, claiming it's in the best interest of aviation by protecting GA user fees, airspace access, and airport funding.
- Despite Graves's support, a large and growing coalition of over 120 aviation groups vehemently oppose the bill's proposed ATC privatization, disagreeing with his assertion that it benefits general aviation.
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