Contact: Dan Hubbard, 202-431-5970, dhubbard@nbaa.org
Washington, DC, June 15, 2023 – The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) today commended congressional leaders for their timely action on legislation to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through September 2028.
The House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee passed its version of the bill (H.R. 3935), the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act, on Wednesday, June 14. That sends the bill to the full House, which is expected to consider the measure next month.
“We are encouraged to see Chairman Sam Graves (R-6-MO) and Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-2-WA) act swiftly on this important bipartisan legislation that includes critical provisions to enhance the nation’s air traffic control (ATC) system, bolster efforts to attract more workers to the U.S. aviation industry and support future aviation programs and aircraft,” NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen said. “This bill includes the first ever general aviation title, which will strengthen a sector that is foundational to our broader aviation system.”
Graves introduced the bill June 9, with Larsen, Aviation Subcommittee Chairman Garret Graves (R-6-LA) and Aviation Subcommittee Ranking Member Steve Cohen (D-9-TN) as cosponsors.
NBAA-supported priorities in the House bill include addressing industry workforce challenges, support for the safe and efficient integration of advanced air mobility (AAM) technology and infrastructure and recognition of the important role of general aviation (GA) in attracting new talent to the industry.
H.R. 3935 includes provisions to streamline the aircraft registration process, require safety management systems (SMS) for certain air tour operations and increase engagement between industry stakeholders and the FAA in the rulemaking process and to resolve disputes.
The bill requires consultation with the NextGen Advisory Committee to expedite, prioritize and fully implement NextGen programs. It would also sunset the use of the term “NextGen.”
During the two-day markup, the House committee accepted an amendment to provide grant funding for electrification at the nation’s public airports. This would support AAM operations through reliable and efficient airport power supplies and aircraft charging stations.
In the Senate, Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation Chair Maria Cantwell (D-WA) introduced the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2023 (S.1939) with Ranking Member Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), Aviation Subcommittee Chair Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Subcommittee Ranking Member Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS) as cosponsors.
The committee is expected to mark up the bill in the next week. Current FAA authorization expires on Sept. 30, 2023.
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Founded in 1947 and based in Washington, DC, the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) is the leading organization for companies that rely on general aviation aircraft to help make their businesses more efficient, productive and successful. The association represents more than 10,000 company and professional members and provides more than 100 products and services to the business aviation community, including the NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), the world’s largest civil aviation trade show. Learn more about NBAA at nbaa.org.
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