A bipartisan group of senators recently introduced legislation that would enhance the nation’s air travel system.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2023 was introduced by U.S. Sens. Maria Cantwell (D-WA), chair of the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, Ted Cruz (R-TX), committee ranking member, Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), chair of the Aviation Subcommittee, and Jerry Moran (R-KS), subcommittee ranking member.
“When we fly we expect to get where we’re going, safely, at a reasonable cost,” Cantwell said. “But with mass flight cancellations, runway near-misses, and skyrocketing prices, Americans are getting frustrated. The bipartisan FAA Reauthorization Act will help get the air travel system soaring again by improving safety and service. The bill provides funding for the latest safety technology on runways and to hire more air traffic controllers, pilots and mechanics.”
Bill provisions include authorizing over $107 billion in appropriations for the FAA for fiscal years 2024 through 2028; allocating $67.5 billion for FAA operations to fund safety programs that include aircraft certification reform to air carrier oversight while enabling the hiring, training and retention of safety critical staff; earmarking $18.2 billion for FAA facilities and equipment to fund the modernizing of key technologies, systems and equipment; and $20 billion for FAA airport improvement grants to support over 3,300 airports nationwide and promote a sustainable and resilient infrastructure.
“As drafted, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization of 2023 is a first step toward ensuring that the FAA can carry out its core mission of ensuring the safety of the flying public,” Cruz and Moran said. “As we continue to improve this legislation to the benefit of our constituents, we are committed to honoring the longstanding tradition that this vital legislation receives broad, bipartisan support.”