[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 60 (Tuesday, April 19, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Page S2131]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        FAA REAUTHORIZATION BILL

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, later this morning the Senate will have 
an opportunity to pass the FAA reauthorization and security bill, which 
aims to secure our airports and look out for American travelers.
  This legislation received bipartisan support from the start, and it 
shows what is possible with a Senate that is back to work. Under the 
guidance of Senator Thune, the Commerce Committee chairman, and Senator 
Ayotte, the Aviation chair, this FAA reauthorization and security bill 
incorporated ideas from both sides as it moved through the legislative 
process. I also appreciate the work of Ranking Member Nelson and 
Ranking Member Cantwell in working with them to advance it.
  After 7 hearings and nearly 60 amendments accepted, the bill passed 
the Commerce Committee by a voice vote. On the floor, the bill managers 
continued listening and working with Senators from both sides to 
process more amendments that Members thought would make this good bill 
even stronger. For instance, they worked to include a number of 
additional security measures in an amendment that earned bipartisan 
support. That amendment aims to enhance inspections and vetting of 
airport workers to improve security for international flights arriving 
at U.S. airports and to help ensure perimeter security is reviewed.
  In addition to these important security provisions, we accepted an 
amendment from Senator Heinrich to shore up security in prescreening 
zones, which could be particularly vulnerable to attacks. We also 
adopted an amendment from Senators Toomey and Casey that addresses the 
security of cockpit doors. I appreciate these and other Senators who 
put forth ideas to make the final product something both sides can 
support.
  The FAA reauthorization and security bill will make important strides 
for our national security and for travelers. It does so without 
increasing fees or taxes on passengers. It does so without imposing 
heavyhanded regulations that can stifle consumers' choices. I look 
forward to supporting this legislation later this morning.

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