Despite years of one short-term resolution after another, the Senate yesterday took a lead from last week’s move by the House and passed the FAA reauthorization necessary to carry the agency forward until September 30, 2023. The bill, minus the controversial effort to privatize the nation’s air traffic control system, passed with bi-partisan support on a 93 to 6 vote. The bi-partisan leadership of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee included Chairman John Thune (R-SD), Ranking Member Bill Nelson (D-FL), Aviation Subcommittee Chairman Roy Blunt (R-MO) and Ranking Member Maria Cantwell (D-WA).
Senate Passes FAA Reauthorization
Key Takeaways:
- The Senate passed a bipartisan FAA reauthorization bill, extending funding until September 30, 2023, notably without privatizing air traffic control.
- The legislation aims to modernize airport infrastructure, enhance aviation safety (e.g., required medical certificates for hot air balloon operators, cabin evacuation reviews), and improve customer service by allowing the FAA to set minimum seat dimensions and mitigate airport noise.
- It also focuses on promoting the safe integration of drones into the national airspace and increasing the transparency of the National Transportation Safety Board's investigations and recommendations.
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