Leaders of both the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee have reached a bipartisan, bicameral agreement on the Federal Aviation Administration extension, which will go through Sept. 30, 2017.
A joint statement released by Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bill Shuster (R-PA); Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member Peter DeFazio (D-OR); Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee Chairman John Thune (R-SD); and Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee Ranking Member Bill Nelson (D-FL) said the following:
“We have reached an agreement on an FAA extension that provides much-needed stability for our aviation system through September 2017. This bill includes significant airport security reforms as well as critical aviation safety provisions and time-sensitive enhancements for air travelers. We look forward to sending this measure to the president before the July 15 expiration of the FAA’s current authorization. Recognizing that this is a year-long extension, we are also committed to working together on a longer-term reauthorization that includes other important reforms benefiting all passengers and Americans who depend on a safe aviation system.”
The proposed extension includes a number of safety and security provisions. In terms of safety, the extension calls for streamlining the air traffic controller hiring process, strengthening the mental health screening of pilots and laying groundwork for dealing with unmanned aircraft. For security, the agreement looks to expand the TSA PreCheck program by enhancing enrollment and vetting methods. It also authorizes the “Checkpoint of the Future” innovation efforts TSA is currently working on and allows for more TSA Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response teams.
