FAA Reauthorization Legislation Clears Senate Committee

The Senate Commerce Committee resumed consideration of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2023 (S. 1939) last Thursday, passing a modified version by unanimous voice vote. NATA praised the bill’s directives for increased FAA/industry collaboration, general aviation protections during a safe transition to unleaded fuels, investments in a robust aviation workforce, and provisions to foster emerging technologies such as Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). “NATA thanks Senate leaders for listening to the many aviation business voices calling for action on comprehensive FAA reauthorization legislation,” stated NATA President and CEO Curt Castagna. Last month, NATA members urged their Senators to act on a long-term FAA bill. “We look forward to final passage of a bill that advances common-sense initiatives contributing to a healthy, vibrant aviation system for all users, service providers, and communities,” Castagna continued.
 
NATA offers sincere thanks to Commerce Committee Chair Maria Cantwell (D, WA), Ranking Member Ted Cruz (R, TX), Aviation Subcommittee Chair Tammy Duckworth (D, IL), Ranking Member Jerry Moran (R, KS), and Senator Deb Fischer (R, NE) for their bipartisan leadership to secure a stronger, more efficient Federal Aviation Agency and to protect the safety and success of aviation businesses. 

The marked-up bill includes a NATA-backed amendment sponsored by Sen. Fischer that protects FBOs from government regulation in the form of new airport grant assurances. Instead of extending new government regulations into a previously unregulated private industry, Fischer’s common-sense approach calls for a Government Accounting Office (GAO) study to provide Congress measurable data on FBO pricing, including industry’s voluntary adoption of “Know You Before You Go” best practices. NATA and a coalition of leading aviation associations backed the amendment.
 
Also of note are the bill’s NATA-backed provisions to address concerns raised by our part 135 air charter membership. “The Senate bill’s expansion of existing grants and much needed funding for pilot training will alleviate many of the workforce issues facing NATA’s aviation business members, and we appreciate the Committee’s inclusion of measures to address on-demand operators’ challenges securing timely pilot checks, aircraft conformity checks, and certification services from the FAA,” said Castagna. 
 
It's unclear when—or if—the Senate bill will proceed to the Senate floor. With limited time before the FAA’s short-term extension expires on March 8, House and Senate leaders could pursue an informal conference committee to settle differences between their two respective bills. NATA will continue to work with Congressional leaders to ensure the final bill focuses on consensus policies to protect the safety of our national airspace system while increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of the FAA.