FAA Reauthorization Bill Signed Into Law by President

October 10, 2018 — President Donald Trump signed the bipartisan FAA reauthorization bill passed by both the Senate and House of Representatives last week. The legislation provides stability for the FAA and ensures that ATC privatization and user fees will likely not happen for at least the next five years.

“This legislation is a great victory for general aviation, and it would not have been possible without dedicated EAA members making their voices heard on this issue,” EAA CEO and Chairman of the Board Jack J. Pelton said. “The long-term stability this provides for the FAA will allow the agency to carry out NextGen programs, invest in new technology, and modernize instead of privatize — all of which are positives for the GA community.”

Until this legislation was finalized by a bipartisan agreement reached by transportation committee leaders from both the House and the Senate in late September, it appeared the 115th Congress might adjourn without a reauthorization bill reaching the floor. Fortunately for general aviation, lawmakers reached a compromise deal and passed a short-term FAA extension to give the Senate an extra week to pass the bill.