The Senate passed Thursday to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), passing approval ahead of a Friday deadline that could avert the program’s expiration and wrap up one of its final legislative priorities for the time being. Ta.
Lawmakers voted 88-4 in favor of the bill, extending the FAA’s authority for five years after leaders and negotiators were able to avoid numerous landmines to secure final passage. The content was as follows. The bill needed 60 votes to pass. Those who did not vote were Democratic Sens. Ben Cardin (Maryland), Tim Kaine (Virginia), Chris Van Hollen (Maryland), and Mark Warner (Virginia). state).
“After months of painstaking work, the FAA reauthorization passed the Senate today,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York said on the floor before the vote. “Aviation safety has become a top priority for millions of Americans these days, and this FAA bill is the best Congress can do to give Americans the peace of mind they deserve.”
The final passage came Thursday night after several stopgap extensions and an agreement between Washington, D.C. area members and leaders over the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) slot battle. It came after a bit of a roller coaster, including a battle that culminated.
Four senators from Maryland and Virginia have proposed five new slots at DCA over safety concerns following last month’s near-miss incident at DCA, arguing that it would significantly increase delays at DCA. (or 10 round trip flights) was loudly opposed to the addition. inland airport.
The battle leading up to final passage was over pressure from lawmakers in Maryland and Virginia to vote on an amendment to overturn the quota. Senate Commerce Committee Chairwoman Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) and Sen. Ted Cruz (Texas), the top Commerce Republican who co-wrote the bill for Republicans, said they would change the policy if the DCA quota provision was removed. He warned that the whole thing would be “dismantled.” .
Democrats sought to reassure D.C.-area lawmakers with an amendment vote that would leave the final decision on new slots to the secretary of transportation to account for DCA delays and passenger safety.
Mr. Cruz blocked Mr. Schumer’s attempt to adjust the amendment vote, effectively killing his chances of winning concessions. Shortly after, the chamber began voting on the final bill.
“The Senate has abdicated its responsibility to protect the safety of the 25 million people who fly through DCA each year,” Kaine and Warner said in a statement. “They didn’t want to show the American people that they cared more about some members of Congress’ desire for non-stop flights than the safety and convenience of their traveling public. That’s shameful. It’s embarrassing.”
DCA has long concentrated on short-haul flights of less than 1,250 miles with a few exceptions, with long-haul flights operating more frequently at Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Baltimore/Washington International Airport Thurgood Marshall Airport. It has been. United Airlines, which has a hub in Dulles, has lobbied heavily over the past year against DCA’s push to increase flights.
The bill also faced scrutiny in its final days as lawmakers saw it as a last chance to change priorities unrelated to aviation and travel. The FAA package would be the last bill to pass on the calendar until the fall.
Leaders agreed early in the process to refuse to include votes on amendments to unrelated bills. This is because allowing a vote on a bill would cause member states to hold up the final bill, creating unwanted problems as it crosses the finish line.
The pile-up was largely on the Republican side, as lawmakers sought votes on items such as the Children’s Online Safety Act and a bill to re-expand a $50 billion compensation program to help victims of nuclear radiation. Ta.
One last-minute change included updated provisions that amend language regarding automatic refunds if flights are delayed or canceled to more closely align with new rules recently rolled out by the Biden administration.
The bicameral package also includes new requirements for the FAA to hire and train up to 3,000 new air traffic controllers, an increase in the length of cockpit voice recorders from 2 hours to 25 hours, and airway safety. It also includes provisions to increase the amount of time available to individuals and extend the time frame available to individuals. At least 5 years of travel credit.
Also under discussion were provisions to raise the retirement age for pilots from 65 to 67, and to allow members of parliament, judges and ministers to receive security escorts if they face a credible threat. Not included. Mr. Cruz was a leading supporter of that item.
The bill now heads to the House of Representatives, where it is expected to be passed next week before moving to President Biden’s desk.
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