The U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure approved the the 21st Century Aviation Innovation, Reform, and Reauthorization (AIRR) Act this week by a vote of 32 to 25.
The bipartisan 21st Century AIRR Act, introuduced by Committee Chairman Bill Shuster (R-PA), provides wide-spread, transformational reform of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
“I appreciate all the work done today by the members of the Committee on this legislation that puts the American taxpayers, innovation, jobs, and the traveling public before Washington dysfunction,” Shuster said. “We thoroughly debated the legislation, considered approximately 80 amendments, approved substantial improvements offered by members from both sides of the aisle, and voted to move forward to give Americans the safe, efficient, modern aviation system they deserve.”
The legislation aims to provide Americans with a safe and efficient aviation system that uses modern technology to ensure more on-time departures, more direct routes, and less time wasted on the tarmac. It would decrease governmental red tape to allow manufacturers in the country to get products to market quickly, stay competitive and continue to employ millions of American workers, while also encouraging American innovation in aviation technologies.
It would also ensure a stronger airport infrastructure, provide a better flying experience for travelers from gate to gate, and ensure access to the aviation system for everyone who depends on it – especially those in small, rural America.
“Chairman Shuster has shown a continued, sincere commitment to shaping an FAA reauthorization bill that is in the best interest of America’s aviation sector and our country as a whole,” U.S. Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO) said.
“I commend the Chairman and the entire Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for its work to substantively and legitimately address the concerns of everyone in this vital industry. [This] vote was a critical step in the process, but we have a long way to go. I look forward to continuing to work with the Chairman and my colleagues to secure a final product that ensures all of aviation can continue flying safely, securely, and freely,” Graves said.