Memphis Standard

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), the Ranking Member of the Aviation Subcommittee, today joined Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO), full Committee Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA), and Aviation Subcommittee Chairman Garret Graves (R-LA) in introducing the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act, bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and aviation safety and infrastructure programs for the next five years.

As the senior Democrat on the Aviation Subcommittee, Congressman Cohen will have a major role in shaping the bill which is scheduled to be marked up in the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on Tuesday and Wednesday of next week.

Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

“This major legislation authorizing federal aviation programs for the next five years will have a transformational impact on air travel, airport infrastructure, and safety while having a stimulative effect on jobs and the economy. I am pleased to see a bipartisan FAA reauthorization bill coming out of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and have appreciated the opportunity to work with Chairman Graves, Ranking Member Larsen, and Chairman Graves on this bill. If we stay on track, this will be the first time we pass the five-year bill on time, and I look forward to working together to advance this bill by the August recess. Our reauthorization legislation addresses several key priorities such as bolstering airport infrastructure investments, enhancing aviation safety, protecting consumers including those with disabilities, addressing resiliency, ensuring the safe operation and integration of unmanned aircraft systems and advanced air mobility, and improving the development of the aviation workforce, including in minority communities. I look forward to continuing to work on this important legislation and appreciate the input of our various stakeholders in our districts and across the nation.”

The full text of the introduced legislation can be found here.

Congressman Cohen especially applauds the inclusion of several of his priorities including:

• Language that he developed with Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) to assist airports, such as the Memphis International Airport, that move from a small to medium hub and face substantial economic challenges as they forgo Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funding in exchange for what is presumed to be a windfall of future passenger facility charge (PFC) funding due to growth
• Provisions based on his Emergency Vacating of Aircraft Cabin (EVAC) Act that he introduced with U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI). This language would direct the Federal Aviation Administration to task the Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee with reviewing and proposing updates to the evacuation requirements accounting for children, including infants, passengers who do not speak English, passengers with disabilities and service animals
• The Mobility Aids on Board Improve Lives and Empower All (MOBILE) Act that he introduced with Representative Pete Stauber (R-MN-8) and Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and John Thune (R-SD) to improve air travel for passengers with disabilities, notably passengers who use wheelchairs and other mobility aids.
• The Prioritizing Accountability and Accessibility for Aviation Consumers Act that he introduced with Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Deb Fischer (R-NE) to ensure that passengers with disabilities have up-to-date data on the Department of Transportation’s effectiveness in resolving disability-related complaints ranging from untrained staff at the ticket counter to lost or damaged mobility aids to passenger injuries
• Provisions from his Safe Aviation and Flight Enhancement (SAFE) Act that he introduced with Representative Tim Burchett (R-TN) that would require aircraft be equipped with a cockpit voice recorder and a cockpit video recorder each capable of recording at least 25 hours of data
• Language that he developed with Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) to direct the FAA to review cabin temperature standards
• Language based on his Airport Infrastructure Resilience Act that he introduced with Representative Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA) Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) that creates AIP eligibility for airport resiliency projects

In summary, the bill:

Improves FAA Efficiency and Operations

The bill makes targeted changes to the organizational structure of the FAA to improve overall efficiency of the agency, allow for innovation, and streamline the regulatory process. The bill does so in a manner that will not harm the FAA’s ongoing efforts while simultaneously ensuring the agency is better organized to lead in an advanced aviation future.

Strengthens America’s General Aviation (GA) Sector

Most of our aviation professionals, including pilots and mechanics, get their start in GA. This bill recognizes that the success of the United States aviation system is built upon a strong GA foundation and includes the first-ever general aviation title to secure our aviation industry’s long-term success.

Grows the Aviation Workforce

Our aviation system is experiencing a shortage of qualified workers, including pilots, mechanics, and air traffic controllers. This bill addresses workforce challenges by removing barriers to pursuing aviation careers, expanding the aviation workforce pipeline, improving training standards, and more.

Invests in United States Airport Infrastructure

Airports connect our communities, create jobs, and drive economic growth. The bill authorizes robust funding for airport infrastructure, including prioritizing investments for small and GA airports, and streamlining project delivery.

Upholds America’s Gold Standard in Safety

America’s aviation system is safe, but the system is not immune to stress and must continually be made safer. The bill addresses several safety issues, including the recent uptick in runway incursions, to ensure the United States, and the FAA, remain the world’s gold standard in aviation safety.

Encourages Aviation Innovation

America has been a leader in aviation innovation. Unfortunately, due to bureaucratic hurdles, endless research, and pilot programs that are not leading to the development and incorporation of new technologies, China and other countries are beginning to surpass the United States. The bill encourages the safe yet more efficient testing and integration of new technologies, such as drones and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), into the airspace.

Enhances the Passenger Experience

While many parts of the aviation system typically function without incident despite a growing volume of travelers, one weak link in a trip can ruin a passenger’s experience.  The bill delivers reforms that will enhance the experience for the traveling public.

Authorizes the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)

As the independent federal agency responsible for investigating all civil aviation accidents, in addition to accidents in other modes of transportation, the NTSB plays an important role in transportation safety. Last authorized in the 2018 FAA Reauthorization Act, this bill provides updates to the NTSB’s authorization.

Original source can be found here.