EAA Among Those Urging Passage of Long-Term FAA Reauthorization

August 15, 2018 - On August 15, EAA joined 32 other organizations from inside and outside the aviation industry in urging the U.S. Senate to quickly pass legislation that gives long-term reauthorization for the FAA.

A letter sent to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-New York) notes that a long-term FAA reauthorization will end a three-year string of short-term funding extensions for the FAA, urging them to have the Senate move expeditiously to consider legislation for a long-term reauthorization of the FAA.

It is essential that the FAA is provided long-term authorization for its activities and programs to maintain and advance the safest, most efficient aerospace system in the world,” noted the letter from the groups, which span representatives of general aviation, labor, commercial and cargo airlines, drones, manufacturers, and more. The U.S. aviation sector supports nearly 11 million jobs and contributes $1.6 trillion in economic activity. The aerospace industry needs dependable authority from the FAA and policymakers to continue to provide the highest level of service for aviation customers and meet the needs of the aviation industry and workforce.”

Congress has not enacted a multi-year authorization bill for the FAA since 2012, a bill that expired almost three years ago. Since September 2015, the agency has been working under a series of short-term extensions, including the current measure expiring on September 30, 2018. The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed its version of a long-term reauthorization bill (H.R. 4). The signatories of this letter believe it is imperative for the U.S. Senate to complete its consideration of S. 1405 as soon as possible, to allow adequate time for House and Senate negotiators to reach a final conference agreement by the end of September.

“There is bipartisan support for moving the FAA bill forward now to ensure safety, economic benefits, regulatory reform, and international competitiveness through a long-term reauthorization bill for the FAA,” the groups concluded. “We are eager to assist you in securing consideration of this important legislation and we appreciate your leadership.”