House Approves FAA Reauthorization Bill

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act (H.R. 3935) on Thursday in a 351-69 vote. The bill, which will reauthorize the FAA through 2028, was introduced on June 9 by House Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee Chairman Sam Graves, R-Mo., and co-sponsored by full Committee Ranking Member Rick Larsen, D-Wash., Aviation Subcommittee Chairman Garret Graves, R-La., and Aviation Subcommittee Ranking Member Steve Cohen, D-Tenn. The T&I Committee approved the bill by unanimous vote on June 14.

“This bipartisan legislation improves the safety of our system, our airport infrastructure, and the quality of service for passengers,” said T&I Committee Chairman Graves. “Not only that, this bill will make the FAA more efficient, encourage the safe adoption of new and innovative technologies, and address growing workforce shortages, from pilots and mechanics to air traffic controllers. In addition, this bill provides the first title dedicated specifically to our critical general aviation sector—the backbone of the American aviation system.”

H.R. 3935 (PDF) includes provisions aimed at improving FAA efficiency and operations, growing the aviation workforce, providing airport infrastructure funding and encouraging the testing and integration of new technologies. In addition, it looks to address safety issues, improve the airline passenger experience and reauthorize the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The T&I Committee noted that the bill has gained support from more than 1,000 aviation leaders and stakeholders.

To become law, reauthorization legislation will also need to be passed in the U.S. Senate and signed by the president. The FAA’s current authorization expires on Sept. 30.