PBOR2 Still Focus of EAA Work on Capitol Hill

August 27, 2015 - Pilot’s Bill of Rights 2 (PBOR2) continues to be the best path forward to a successful outcome of long-fought third-class medical reform. Though the bill has encountered a number of roadblocks during attempts to move it through the Senate, support for PBOR2 remains strong. The number of Senate co-sponsors for PBOR2 remains at 57. This week, the EAA advocacy team is meeting with Capitol Hill staff to shore-up support for the bill in anticipation of Congress’s return from recess in September.

Why hasn’t PBOR2 seen more movement? Political dynamics have made PBOR2’s path to a vote complicated. The bill saw opposition in the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, while an attempt to attach similar aeromedical reform language onto the Highway Reauthorization bill failed due to Senate leadership’s refusal to accept all but one proposed amendment. The EAA advocacy staff has been working throughout the month of August to address both political and industry opposition to PBOR2 and find solutions for moving it forward.

During a forum on PBOR2 at EAA AirVenture 2015, Sen. James Inhofe (R-Oklahoma) reinforced his dedication to bringing the bill to a successful outcome and reminded attendees that the legislative process is often painstaking, requiring time, patience, and sometimes compromise. Though there has been little concrete news on PBOR2 during the month of August due to the Congressional summer recess, this legislative effort remains very much alive. EAA thanks all of its dedicated members for their patience and support during this long and difficult process.

Due to the intricacies of Senate rules, reaching 60 co-sponsors would greatly help PBOR2’s chances in that chamber. If your Senators have not yet signed on as co-sponsors of the bill, please contact their offices to encourage their support. A current list of Senate co-sponsors is available here. A list of Senators who have not yet signed on as co-sponsors is below: