[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 51 (Tuesday, April 5, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Page S1645]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        FAA REAUTHORIZATION BILL

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, we will soon begin consideration of 
bipartisan legislation that can support American jobs, improve airline 
safety, and help passengers--all without raising taxes or fees on 
travelers. The FAA Reauthorization Act before us is the result of a 
collaborative committee process. It shows what is possible with a 
Senate that is back to work and back to regular order. In this case, 
the Commerce Committee held a series of seven hearings to guide and 
inform its deliberations throughout this process. Republicans on the 
Commerce Committee had their say, Democrats on the Commerce Committee 
offered their input, and at the end of the day, Members of both parties 
were able to agree on bipartisan legislation that passed committee on a 
voice vote.
  We know the bipartisan FAA Reauthorization Act will promote American 
manufacturing, preserve rural access in States such as Kentucky, and 
advance new consumer protections for the flying public. We also know it 
will help improve safety and security both in the skies and in our 
airports. Here are a few ways this bipartisan bill can help: by 
allowing us to better prepare for the outbreak of communicable diseases 
like Ebola, by improving the quality of FAA's safety workforce, by 
encouraging the FAA to harmonize international safety standards, by 
bringing the government and stakeholders together in the development of 
safety standards for unmanned aerial vehicles, and by taking aim at 
human trafficking.
  This legislation is the product of a lot of hard work and reaching 
across the aisle. At this time I wish to recognize Senator Thune for 
leading the effort. He knows what is possible in a Senate that is back 
to work for the American people. He worked hard with the top Democrat 
on his committee, Senator Nelson, to get us to this point today. But 
these two Senators certainly didn't do it all by themselves. Senator 
Ayotte was one of the key players in this bipartisan effort. As chair 
of the Subcommittee on Aviation, Senator Ayotte held numerous briefings 
and hearings on the issue with her colleague Senator Cantwell.
  While many in this Chamber are focusing on the issue now, the bill 
before us is the product of many months of work by members of the 
Commerce Committee and their staff. Let's continue to work together in 
a similar spirit. While the Commerce Committee has produced a product 
that merits this Chamber's consideration, I am sure they would 
acknowledge that they don't have a monopoly on good ideas. I hope we 
can have an efficient amendment process where Members bring their best 
ideas to the floor. Let's pass another significant piece of legislation 
for the American people.

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