On April 13, 2018, the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee (Committee) leadership introduced a five-year Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization bill, FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (H.R. 4) (the Act). This bipartisan Act focuses on stabilization of the FAA with consistent funding instead of efforts to reform the air traffic control system. The Act also seeks to continue investment in U.S. airports and make reforms to improve U.S. competitiveness and safety in aviation. Specifically, the Act includes proposed funding for the FAA’s operations account ranging from 410.4 billion in fiscal year 2019 to $11.3 billion in fiscal year 2023.
Additionally, according to the Committee leadership, the Act:
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Helps the U.S. lead in the aviation industry by putting American jobs, American innovation, and the traveling public first.
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Cuts “red tape” so that U.S. manufacturers can get products to market on time, stay competitive globally, and continue to employ millions of Americans.
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Encourages American innovation in aviation technologies to promote a stronger American workforce.
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Gives the American traveling public a better flight experience.
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Helps the national airspace system remain as safe as possible for the American traveler and addresses factors related to recent incidents.
Committee Chairman, Bill Shuster of Pennsylvania, said, “This FAA authorization is the culmination of years of hearings and listening sessions to solicit input from aviation stakeholders, commercial passengers, general aviation pilots and our colleagues. In the truest sense, this legislation represents bipartisan cooperation and compromise to advance the Nation’s aviation interests and safety in the skies.”
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