The U.S. Senate has passed a significant five-year FAA reauthorization bill, which aims to enhance aviation safety, improve infrastructure, and address consumer issues. The bill, authorizing over $105 billion, includes provisions to boost air traffic controller staffing, upgrade airport facilities, and ensure pilot training standards. A contentious aspect was the addition of five round-trip flights at Reagan National Airport, opposed by Virginia and Maryland Democrats over safety concerns. Despite these concerns, the bill, passed on Thursday without amendments related to these flights, now moves to the House for further consideration. The Senate Commerce Committee played a key role in crafting this bipartisan legislation.
We can all agree that delays and cancelled flights can ruin an entire trip. What’s worse is the fight with customer service afterward for a refund, and then settling for a one year travel credit. Congress and President Biden just fixed that ✈️💺 https://t.co/x22XFTM1qK
We can all agree that delays and cancelled flights can ruin an entire trip. What’s worse is the fight with customer service afterward for a refund, and then settlingfor a one year travel credit. Congress and President Biden just fixed that ✈️💺 https://t.co/x22XFTM1qK
“Last month’s near miss at DCA is a flashing red warning light that this airport is overburdened and that cramming more flights onto the busiest runway in America is a terrible idea,” Mr. Warner and Mr. Kaine said Thursday. https://t.co/UBKd7ismgX
Thank you @SenatorCantwell for your work on the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024. Looking forward to finishing the job next week in the House and sending it to @POTUS https://t.co/h1gHhTxA0u
The Senate greenlit a bill that reauthorizes the Federal Aviation Administration and provide $105 billion to the agency over the next five years. https://t.co/8VM6PMCWSi
It was a great morning at Logan Airport to celebrate the Senate passage of the FAA Reauthorization Act. With key protections banning family seating fees and ensuring automatic refunds for canceled flights, we're clearing the runway for smooth travel and grounding corporate greed. https://t.co/FLOMJv2Xd7
A major win for NY ✈️ The Senate's FAA bill: —Protects the 1,500-hr pilot training requirement created after the Flight 3407 plane crash in WNY —Ensures families sit together for no extra fees & improves refund policies —$$$ to NY airports for upgrades
In a statement following the passage of the legislation, Mr. Kaine called additional flights "dangerous," and said they would be "crammed onto one of the busiest airports in America." https://t.co/UBKd7ismgX
It was great to chat with members of @EconAllianceSC on Capitol Hill this week about the FAA reauthorization bill, as well as federal infrastructure investments that are benefiting Snohomish County. https://t.co/62t08SEd2A
We now will have a direct flight from San Antonio to our nation's capital. This was a top priority as @SenateCommerce Committee crafted our bipartisan FAA Reauthorization. https://t.co/iE6BNx65XR
The new flights could threaten safety at the nearly maxed-out airport, Sens. Tim Kaine and Mark Warner, Virginia Democrats, warned Thursday. https://t.co/UBKd7ismgX
The legislation passed over the objection of the four Democrats representing Maryland and Virginia, who fought for an amendment to block the provision adding five round-trip flights in and out of Reagan, which is located in Arlington, Virginia... https://t.co/UBKd7ismgX
🚨 Big Wins for Oklahoma in FAA Reauthorization: The FAA reauthorization bill, which passed the Senate last night contains significant wins in aviation safety and infrastructure, including a plan to expand the ATC academy in OKC and a $300K funding increase for Lawton-Ft. Sill…
Military City, USA is one step closer to having direct flights to our nation’s capital. Throughout the FAA reauthorization process @RepChipRoy and I worked hand in hand to deliver this big win for Texas! https://t.co/InXTUHvr1y
We now have a chance for a direct flight from San Antonio to our nation’s capital. This was a top priority as @SenateCommerce Committee crafted our bipartisan FAA Reauthorization. https://t.co/iE6BNx65XR
The legislation authorizes more than $105 billion over five years for the nation’s aviation programs, much of it aimed at improving safety in the wake of close calls on airport runways and a string of airplane manufacturing and repair lapses. https://t.co/UBKd7ismgX
Air traffic controller staffing issues have led to travel disruptions and near-miss incidents. It's why I led and secured provisions to enable the FAA to hire and maintain a strong pipeline of qualified air traffic controllers to keep the flying public safe. https://t.co/kLDuoQsQHQ
The FAA reauthorization passed by the U.S. Senate last night has changes to the Airport Improvement Program that helps Mississippi’s airports. For example, Key Field Airport in Meridian stands to gain. https://t.co/TdJsdjoItr
The US Senate passed a sweeping civil aviation bill late, meant to deliver safer flying in the country. The bill prohibits airlines from charging fees for families to sit together and requires airplanes to be equipped with 25-hour cockpit recording devices https://t.co/hfWbZI0EYX https://t.co/OGsgz989Yk
DMV lawmakers are furious about an expansion of flights at DCA. Catch up with the latest on FAA reauthorization + what's next: https://t.co/IC6HVj7MiZ
📽️ WATCH - US SENATE PASSES SWEEPING AVIATION SAFETY, CONSUMER BILL The U.S. Senate late on Thursday (May 10) overwhelmingly passed a broad aviation bill to boost air traffic controller staffing, increase funding to avert runway close-call incidents and speed refunds for… https://t.co/hW4UD7FkNa
U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passes a broad aviation bill to boost air traffic controller staffing, increase funding to avert runway close-call incidents and speed refunds for canceled flights. https://t.co/dpYa4gANpX
This year’s FAA reauthorization includes several important provisions that are beneficial for both South Dakotans and our airports. 🧵
Americans can fly with a greater peace of mind knowing that investments have been made with their safety in mind. As this came together, I sought to address the unique challenges facing the Alaska due to our reliance on air transportation. https://t.co/sv16ifei4o
The Senate has prioritized the convenience of a few senators over the safe operations of the busiest runway in the United States. I could not support this. @FAANews https://t.co/18KLpehPzw
The Senate passed legislation Thursday authorizing the Federal Aviation Administration for the next five years over the objections of Virginia and Maryland Democrats who sought to block a provision adding ten additional flights into or out of Ronald... https://t.co/aNuzVNBhzn
The Senate has taken decisive action to ensure the critical continuation of our nation’s air travel. I am pleased to see this bill take significant steps forward in improving air travel for consumers, increasing overall accessibility, & safeguarding fliers’ health & safety. https://t.co/06gidbS4bA
The Senate has prioritized the convenience of a few senators over the safe operations of the busiest runway in the United States. I could not support this. #FAA https://t.co/2apjwVsXVL
Senate passes FAA bill after battle over new flights out of Washington’s Reagan National Airport https://t.co/HV3yHBhqaB https://t.co/kBzG7WbzcC
The Senate passing the FAA bill: Preserves critical funding for airport security, training more air traffic controllers, and safety inspectors at manufacturing plants Avoids costly delays to airport infrastructure projects Avoids the furloughing of over 3,000 federal employees
Sen. Cruz Applauds Senate Passage of the Bipartisan FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 https://t.co/S2TwiUej8v
Senate passes FAA bill after battle over new flights out of Washington's Reagan National Airport https://t.co/lIofSppDnh
Fischer Welcomes Senate Passage of FAA Bill https://t.co/wmXbBBVdon https://t.co/lMVDVRDmdW
Tonight we passed the FAA bill to make air travel safer in the United States. It will: ✅ Add & train more air traffic controllers ✅ Upgrade airports across our state ✅ Designate Youngstown-Warren a primary airport ✅ Support Ohio innovation
Senate just passed the federal aviation admin reauth It funds Iowa airports & incl 2 of my amendments to help secure local flight service + Close loopholes in the FAA aircraft registration process Now I head to the airport to go home to Barbara/#99countymeetings https://t.co/U2yRuocr0t
Putting Arizona first, I negotiated major wins in our FAA reauthorization that fuel aviation jobs in our state and improve safety and efficiency for travelers. Arizonans can count on safe and efficient air travel now and into the future. More: https://t.co/Rpp52oEkkD
4 noes on FAA bill. All from MD/VA. Concened about adding slots at Reagan National: Cardin Van Hollen Kaine Warner
Major hurdle cleared for the Senate wrapping the FAA fight up tonight, and avoiding a lapse while the House is out https://t.co/oSMP08U5Ed
1) FAA shutdown not out of the woods yet In a stunning turn of events, authorization for the FAA could yet lapse. The vote to approve the broader, five-year FAA reauthorization remains open but has nearly 90 yeas. 60 votes were needed to pass the bill. So that’s not the issue.…
Warner spox says: “Out of concern for the safety of the flying public and in order to provide certainty to air traffic controllers and other essential personnel, Senator Warner and Senator Kaine have lifted their holds on the short-term FAA extension.”
From colleague Tyler Olson. Senators expecting passage of FAA reauthorization without amendments shortly
Merkley says the FAA holdup is over KOSA and COPPA, two online safety bills, and whether they can lock in a “sidecar” deal for future votes
I voted yes on the Federal Aviation Administration legislation that would invest in our aviation systems and airport infrastructure. I fought for several Mississippi priorities to be included in the final bill version. More info here: https://t.co/F4SqJrSiLa https://t.co/vETYHNOrVn
The Senate locks in an agreement to pass the FAA bill tonight without any votes on amendments, sending the fight over DCA flight slots to the House. Details from @AndrewDesiderio and @JakeSherman in PM. https://t.co/4rG1mcIZN7 https://t.co/LYk0pgWHwl
After days of battling in the Senate over amendments to the FAA reauthorization bill, senators are smelling the jet fumes. They have dropped their demands and the chamber is NOW voting on final passage of the five-year bill, which needs to pass Congress before tomorrow night's…
.@SenTimKaine and I put forward an amendment that would simply require experts at the @USDOT to confirm that adding additional flights at DCA wouldn’t endanger the public. My colleagues objected to even allowing a vote on that. It’s incredibly disappointing and dangerous.
Congress races to meet FAA deadline https://t.co/tjc6kQeXB6
Schumer is on the floor now to lock in a time agreement on final passage of the FAA reauthorization bill.
The entire FAA bill is coming down to airline slots at DCA. what a world!
Senate considering proposal for 10 new total flights a day to Reagan National - but only if the Transportation Secretary certifies that they won't compromise safety, cancellations or delays.
.@SenTedCruz bullish on FAA timing: “I think it is quite likely that we will finish today.” .@SenatorCantwell earlier today: “We’re close.”
The Senate is still far from reaching a deal to pass legislation to head off a lapse in the FAA’s authority by tomorrow night. @AndrewDesiderio and @bresreports have the details in Midday. Plus, Gruenberg works the Hill. https://t.co/yvPtDDAiF6 https://t.co/jWbeGAOsqP
It's simple. Pilots who are well-trained with real-world experience help keep us safe on our flights. In our bipartisan FAA reauthorization bill, we rejected attempts to weaken pilot training standards so we can help ensure pilots are prepared to handle any scenario in the sky.
Tillis on FAA reauthorization: I don't think anybody wants to have a lapse in the FAA. So the biggest issue that we have right now are some members that are holding it up for amendments that they want to have heard that that’s their right.
Virginia senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner say they won't agree to fast-track a one-week extension of the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act. https://t.co/2UmYkvwyyo
Congress is working overtime on an aviation bill that would add five more round-trip flights per day to Reagan Airport — a wish list item for Delta Air Lines as well as cities that want more flights to Reagan. Of course, United is trying to stop it. https://t.co/SUWo6cSrPt
Senator Ted Cruz has taken a detour from his role as a conservative rabble-rouser to playing the lead on reauthorizing the Federal Aviation Administration. https://t.co/bIzpFbcwoD
FAA reauthorization fight: @timkaine and @MarkWarner are vowing to block the one-week extension until they get a guarantee that their amendment nixing a provision adding new flight slots at DCA gets a vote. @AndrewDesiderio with more: https://t.co/d45Vypu7FQ
Senators negotiating stack of amendments for FAA bill as deadline approaches https://t.co/FtIp1oJBfw