SC Alaska News

Washington, D.C.— On June 14, the House Transportation & Infrastructure (T&I) Committee passed H.R. 3935, the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act, a bill to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and aviation safety and infrastructure programs for the next five years. The committee debated the bill and amendments for two days, and ultimately passed it with a unanimous 63-0 vote.

The final House bill text:

• Protects the Essential Air Service to serve Alaska’s rural communities.
• Increases flexibility for Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funding for Alaska airports off the road system.
• Reauthorizes the Alaska Center for UAS Integration to keep Alaska a leader in drone research.
• Designates the FAA Alaska Aviation Safety Initiative as the Don Young Alaska Aviation Safety Initiative, with the goal of reducing the rate of fatal aircraft accidents by 90% from 2019 to 2033.

"I'm thrilled that this crucial legislation for Alaska has passed unanimously," said Representative Peltola. "As Vice Ranking Member of the Aviation Subcommittee, I pushed hard to protect critical programs like the Essential Air Service, which ensures connections between many rural areas in Alaska, and advocated for flexibility in the Airport Improvement Program to maintain funding for remote airports. I'm also proud to support the Don Young Aviation Safety Initiative, which establishes local control and standards for reducing airplane fatalities. This successful reauthorization process is an example of how Congress should work: focusing on real issues and working together towards a shared goal. I look forward to continuing to work with Senators Murkowski and Sullivan to protect these wins for Alaska.”

The Senate will now work on its own version of the FAA reauthorization bill, and the two bills will ultimately be merged before passage.

Original source can be found here.