The U.S. Senate recently voted 93 to 6 to advance the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, which reauthorizes the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for three years and federal aviation programs for five years.
The act addresses five areas: modernizing airport infrastructure, improving service for the flying public, enhancing safety and security, boosting innovation, and disaster assistance.
Highlights include creating an Office of Spaceports to support licensing and promote infrastructure improvements, creating an aviation consumer advocate within the U.S. Department of Transportation, and provides funding for airport development.
The act also provides $1.68 billion in supplemental appropriations for Hurricane Florence disaster relief.
“In creating new protections and enhancements for the flying public, this bill creates five years of stable policy direction for the aviation community,” U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-SD), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, said. “Travelers, utilizing small and large airports, will benefit from investments in infrastructure, more efficient security screening, and the prompt return of fees for services they don’t receive. Innovators also get a needed boost from provisions enhancing the competitiveness of our aircraft manufacturers and the continued integration of unmanned aircraft into our airspace.”
The bill now heads to President Trump’s desk for signature.