On Thursday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation that reauthorizes programs at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the next five years.
The bill, the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act, will improve FAA efficiency and operations, strengthen the country’s aviation sector, grow the aviation workforce and invest in airport infrastructure, U.S. Rep. Sam Graves (R-Mo.) the bill’s sponsor said. Graves introduced the legislation June 9 with bipartisan support and support from more than 1,000 aviation leaders and stakeholders. The legislation passed in a 351-69 vote.
“This bipartisan legislation improves the safety of our system, our airport infrastructure, and the quality of service for passengers,” Graves said. “Not only that, this bill will make the FAA more efficient, encourage the safe adoption of new and innovative technologies, and address growing workforce shortages, from pilots and mechanics to air traffic controllers. In addition, this bill provides the first title dedicated specifically to our critical general aviation sector – the backbone of the American aviation system.”
The legislation also authorizes the National Transportation Safety Board, and encourages safe and efficient testing of new aviation technologies like drones and Advanced Air Mobility. The legislation will also address passenger needs, officials said, delivering reforms that will enhance passenger experiences.
“Today, the House voted to bolster America’s global aviation leadership,” said U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen (D-Wash), the ranking member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. “This good faith process yielded a bipartisan bill that will create a safer, cleaner, greener, and more accessible U.S. aviation system. It will maintain our gold standard in safety and innovation, make a more sustainable and resilient aviation sector a reality, and improve accessibility and consumer protections for all passengers. This is also a jobs bill. It helps to build the economy from the middle out and the bottom up, and diversifies our workforce, recognizing how critical that effort is to our nation’s long-term economic success.”