The U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure has introduced legislation to extend the authority of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and federal aviation programs until 2028.  

AFA expresses gratitude for the inclusion of important priorities in this legislation. President Biden has taken steps to ensure strong leadership within the FAA, and AFA fully supports the appointment of Polly Trottenberg as interim FAA Administrator, Katie Thomson as Deputy Administrator, and Keith Washington as the acting chief of staff.

The legislation, titled the "Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act," encompasses several critical areas, including FAA reforms, aviation safety, general aviation, workforce expansion, and airport infrastructure support. The bill aims to reauthorize the FAA's operating authority for a period of five years, providing stability for the agency. The deadline for completing this reauthorization package is September 30, at which time the current FAA operating authority is set to expire.

According to several news sources, the legislation tackles the reform and authorization of the FAA, airport infrastructure, aviation safety, aerospace innovation, passenger protections, and the National Transportation Safety Board. It underscores the need to uphold the United States' leadership in aviation safety and innovation amidst global competition, technological advancements, and workforce challenges.

Our union's priorities within the bill this year include:

•         The establishment of a national banned passenger list for violent individuals,
•         Improvement of cabin air quality,
•         Implementation of cabin temperature standards,
•         Prevention of flags of convenience carriers,
•         Updates to aircraft emergency evacuation standards,
•         Mandatory seatbelts for all ticketed passengers, and more.

This legislation represents a bipartisan compromise that aims to create a safer, cleaner, and more accessible U.S. aviation system. It promotes the transition to sustainable fuels, invests in airport resilience, implements safety measures, enhances accessibility and consumer protections for passengers, and stimulates job growth within the aviation industry. Additionally, the bill focuses on integrating emerging technologies in airspace to drive innovation and job creation.