[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 37 (Thursday, February 29, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H755-H759]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                AIRPORT AND AIRWAY EXTENSION ACT OF 2024

  Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules

[[Page H756]]

and pass the bill (H.R. 7454) to amend title 49, United States Code, to 
extend authorizations for the airport improvement program, to amend the 
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the funding and expenditure 
authority of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, and for other purposes.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The text of the bill is as follows:

                               H.R. 7454

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Airport and Airway Extension 
     Act of 2024''.

     SEC. 2. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

       (a) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act 
     is as follows:

Sec. 1. Short title.
Sec. 2. Short title; table of contents.

                   TITLE I--FEDERAL AVIATION PROGRAMS

Sec. 101. Airport improvement program.
Sec. 102. Extension of expiring authorities; miscellaneous 
              authorizations.
Sec. 103. Federal aviation administration operations.
Sec. 104. Air navigation facilities and equipment.
Sec. 105. Research, engineering, and development.
Sec. 106. Small community air service.

                 TITLE II--AVIATION REVENUE PROVISIONS

Sec. 201. Expenditure authority from airport and airway trust fund.
Sec. 202. Extension of taxes funding airport and airway trust fund.

                 TITLE III -- MISCELLANEOUS EXTENSIONS

Sec. 301. Counter-UAS authorities.

                   TITLE I--FEDERAL AVIATION PROGRAMS

     SEC. 101. AIRPORT IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM.

       (a) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 48103(a) of 
     title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking 
     paragraph (7) and inserting the following:
       ``(7) $2,041,120,218 for the period beginning October 1, 
     2023, and ending on May 10, 2024.''.
       (b) Obligation Authority.--Subject to limitations specified 
     in advance in appropriation Acts, sums made available 
     pursuant to the amendment made by subsection (a) may be 
     obligated at any time through September 30, 2024, and shall 
     remain available until expended.
       (c) Program Implementation.--For purposes of calculating 
     funding apportionments and meeting other requirements under 
     sections 47114, 47115, 47116, and 47117 of title 49, United 
     States Code, for the period beginning on October 1, 2023, and 
     ending on May 10, 2024, the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration shall--
       (1) first calculate such funding apportionments on an 
     annualized basis as if the total amount available under 
     section 48103 of such title for fiscal year 2024 was 
     $3,350,000,000; and
       (2) then reduce by 39 percent--
       (A) all funding apportionment amounts calculated under 
     paragraph (1); and
       (B) amounts made available pursuant to subsections (b) and 
     (f)(2) of section 47117 of such title.
       (d) Extension of Project Grant Authority.--Section 47104(c) 
     of title 49, United States Code, is amended in the matter 
     preceding paragraph (1) by striking ``March 8, 2024,'' and 
     inserting ``May 10, 2024,''.
       (e) Extension of Special Rule for Apportionments.--Section 
     47114(c)(1)(J) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by 
     striking ``March 8, 2024,'' and inserting ``May 10, 2024,''.

     SEC. 102. EXTENSION OF EXPIRING AUTHORITIES; MISCELLANEOUS 
                   AUTHORIZATIONS.

       (a) Authority To Provide Insurance.--Section 44310(b) of 
     title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking ``March 
     8, 2024'' and inserting ``May 10, 2024''.
       (b) Unmanned Aircraft Test Ranges.--Section 44803(h) of 
     title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking ``March 
     8, 2024'' and inserting ``May 10, 2024''.
       (c) Special Authority for Certain Unmanned Aircraft 
     Systems.--Section 44807(d) of title 49, United States Code, 
     is amended by striking ``March 8, 2024'' and inserting ``May 
     10, 2024''.
       (d) Extension of Airport Safety and Airspace Hazard 
     Mitigation and Enforcement.--Section 44810(h) of title 49, 
     United States Code, is amended by striking ``March 8, 2024'' 
     and inserting ``May 10, 2024''.
       (e) Competitive Access Reporting Requirement.--Section 
     47107(r)(3) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by 
     striking ``March 9, 2024'' and inserting ``May 11, 2024''.
       (f) Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau.--Section 
     47115(i) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by 
     striking ``March 8, 2024'' and inserting ``May 10, 2024''.
       (g) Supplemental Discretionary Funds.--Section 
     47115(j)(4)(A) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by 
     striking clause (vi) and adding at the end the following:
       ``(vi) $340,321,762 for the period beginning on October 1, 
     2023, and ending on May 10, 2024.''.
       (h) Compatible Land Use Planning and Projects by State and 
     Local Governments.--Section 47141(f) of title 49, United 
     States Code, is amended by striking ``March 8, 2024'' and 
     inserting ``May 10, 2024''.
       (i) Non-Movement Area Surveillance Pilot Program.--Section 
     47143(c) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by 
     striking ``March 9, 2024'' and inserting ``May 11, 2024''.
       (j) Weather Reporting Programs.--Section 48105 of title 49, 
     United States Code, is amended by striking paragraph (5) and 
     adding at the end the following:
       ``(5) $23,762,295 for the period beginning on October 1, 
     2023, and ending on May 10, 2024.''.
       (k) Learning Period.--Section 50905(c)(9) of title 51, 
     United States Code, is amended by striking ``March 9, 2024'' 
     and inserting ``May 11, 2024''.
       (l) Midway Island Airport.--Section 186(d) of the Vision 
     100--Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act (Public Law 108-
     176; 117 Stat. 2518) is amended by striking ``March 8, 
     2024,'' and inserting ``May 10, 2024,''.
       (m) Final Order Establishing Mileage and Adjustment 
     Eligibility.--Section 409(d) of the Vision 100--Century of 
     Aviation Reauthorization Act (49 U.S.C. 41731 note) is 
     amended by striking ``March 8, 2024'' and inserting ``May 10, 
     2024''.
       (n) Contract Weather Observers.--Section 2306(b) of the FAA 
     Extension, Safety, and Security Act of 2016 (Public Law 114-
     190; 130 Stat. 641) is amended by striking ``March 9, 2024'' 
     and inserting ``May 11, 2024''.
       (o) Remote Tower Pilot Program.--Section 161(a)(10) of the 
     FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 47104 note) is 
     amended by striking ``March 8, 2024'' and inserting ``May 10, 
     2024''.
       (p) Airport Access Roads in Remote Locations; Storage 
     Facilities for Snow Removal Equipment.--Section 162 of the 
     FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 47102 note) is 
     amended by striking ``March 8, 2024'' and inserting ``May 10, 
     2024''.
       (q) UAS Remote Detection and Identification Pilot 
     Program.--Section 372(d) of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 
     2018 (49 U.S.C. 44810 note) is amended by striking ``March 8, 
     2024'' and inserting ``May 10, 2024''.
       (r) Advisory Committee for Aviation Consumer Protection.--
     Section 411(h) of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 
     2012 (49 U.S.C. 42301 note) is amended by striking ``March 8, 
     2024'' and inserting ``May 10, 2024''.
       (s) Aviation Consumer Advocate.--Section 424(e) of the FAA 
     Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 42302 note) is amended 
     by striking ``March 8, 2024'' and inserting ``May 10, 2024''.
       (t) Advisory Committee on Air Travel Needs of Passengers 
     With Disabilities.--Section 439(g) of the FAA Reauthorization 
     Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 41705 note) is amended by striking 
     ``March 8, 2024'' and inserting ``May 10, 2024''.
       (u) Enhanced Traffic Services.--Section 547(e) of the FAA 
     Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 40103 note) is amended 
     by striking ``March 8, 2024'' and inserting ``May 10, 2024''.
       (v) Pilot Program for Redevelopment of Airport 
     Properties.--Section 822(k) of the FAA Modernization and 
     Reform Act of 2012 (49 U.S.C. 47141 note) is amended by 
     striking ``March 8, 2024'' and inserting ``May 10, 2024''.

     SEC. 103. FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION OPERATIONS.

       Section 106(k) of title 49, United States Code, is 
     amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1) by striking subparagraph (G) and 
     inserting after subparagraph (F) the following:
       ``(G) $7,259,685,792 for the period beginning on October 1, 
     2023, and ending on May 10, 2024.''; and
       (2) in paragraph (3) by striking ``March 8, 2024'' and 
     inserting ``May 10, 2024''.

     SEC. 104. AIR NAVIGATION FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT.

       Section 48101(a) of title 49, United States Code, is 
     amended by striking paragraph (7) and adding at the end the 
     following:
       ``(7) $1,794,357,923 for the period beginning on October 1, 
     2023, and ending on May 10, 2024.''.

     SEC. 105. RESEARCH, ENGINEERING, AND DEVELOPMENT.

       Section 48102(a) of title 49, United States Code, is 
     amended by striking paragraph (16) and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(16) $155,368,852 for the period beginning on October 1, 
     2023, and ending on May 10, 2024.''.

     SEC. 106. SMALL COMMUNITY AIR SERVICE.

       (a) Essential Air Service Authorization.--Section 
     41742(a)(2) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by 
     striking ``$155,115,628 for the period beginning on October 
     1, 2023, and ending on March 8, 2024,'' and inserting 
     ``$216,192,407 for the period beginning on October 1, 2023, 
     and ending on May 10, 2024,''.
       (b) Airports Not Receiving Sufficient Service.--Section 
     41743(e)(2) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by 
     striking ``$4,371,585 for the period beginning on October 1, 
     2023, and ending on March 8, 2024,'' and inserting 
     ``$6,092,896 for the period beginning on October 1, 2023, and 
     ending on May 10, 2024,''.

                 TITLE II--AVIATION REVENUE PROVISIONS

     SEC. 201. EXPENDITURE AUTHORITY FROM AIRPORT AND AIRWAY TRUST 
                   FUND.

       (a) In General.--Section 9502(d)(1) of the Internal Revenue 
     Code of 1986 is amended--
       (1) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by striking 
     ``March 9, 2024'' and inserting ``May 11, 2024''; and
       (2) in subparagraph (A) by striking the semicolon at the 
     end and inserting ``or the Airport and Airway Extension Act 
     of 2024;''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 9502(e)(2) of such Code 
     is amended by striking ``March 9, 2024'' and inserting ``May 
     11, 2024''.

[[Page H757]]

  


     SEC. 202. EXTENSION OF TAXES FUNDING AIRPORT AND AIRWAY TRUST 
                   FUND.

       (a) Fuel Taxes.--Section 4081(d)(2)(B) of the Internal 
     Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking ``March 8, 2024'' 
     and inserting ``May 10, 2024''.
       (b) Ticket Taxes.--
       (1) Persons.--Section 4261(k)(1)(A)(ii) of the Internal 
     Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking ``March 8, 2024'' 
     and inserting ``May 10, 2024''.
       (2) Property.--Section 4271(d)(1)(A)(ii) of the Internal 
     Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking ``March 8, 2024'' 
     and inserting ``May 10, 2024''.
       (c) Fractional Ownership Programs.--
       (1) Fuel tax.--Section 4043(d) of the Internal Revenue Code 
     of 1986 is amended by striking ``March 8, 2024'' and 
     inserting ``May 10, 2024''.
       (2) Treatment as noncommercial aviation.--Section 4083(b) 
     of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking 
     ``March 9, 2024'' and inserting ``May 11, 2024''.
       (3) Exemption from ticket tax.--Section 4261(j) of the 
     Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking ``March 
     8, 2024'' and inserting ``May 10, 2024''.

                 TITLE III -- MISCELLANEOUS EXTENSIONS

     SEC. 301. COUNTER-UAS AUTHORITIES.

       Section 210G(i) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 
     U.S.C. 124n(i)) is amended by striking ``March 9, 2024'' and 
     inserting ``May 11, 2024''.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Missouri (Mr. Graves) and the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Larsen) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Missouri.


                             General Leave

  Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that 
all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend 
their remarks and include extraneous material in the Record on H.R. 
7454.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Missouri?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I 
may consume.
  Madam Speaker, H.R. 7454 extends the statutory authority of the 
Federal Aviation Administration through May 10, 2024.
  The bill provides for key extensions of FAA authorities, such as the 
continued collection of aviation excise taxes that the safe operation 
of the National Airspace System is dependent upon.
  Importantly, this bill also allows adequate time for the House and 
Senate to reconcile a final FAA bill to ensure the FAA has a long-term 
reauthorization.
  Last July, the House did its part to provide for a long-term 
reauthorization of the FAA on time and ahead of schedule when we passed 
H.R. 3935 in overwhelming bipartisan fashion with more than 350 votes.
  I commend my House colleagues for fulfilling the responsibility to 
ensure the FAA has the tools and resources it needs to maintain 
operations and safety in our National Airspace System.
  The good news is that the Senate Commerce Committee has finally 
marked up its FAA bill, S. 1939. It is clear that enacting a long-term 
FAA bill remains the goal of both Chambers, and Congress is on track to 
do that.
  In the meantime, we must act to pass another extension to keep the 
lights on at the FAA. As frequent flyers ourselves, I know for a fact 
that we all share a common goal of upholding safety in our airspace so 
every person who uses the system can travel and return home safely.
  I plan to work expeditiously with our Senate counterparts so that 
this is the last short-term extension before we send a comprehensive, 
long-term FAA bill to the President's desk.
  Failure to enact this extension is going to jeopardize aviation 
safety and will directly and immediately increase our national debt by 
more than $50 million a day.
  I encourage all Members to support this bill so that we can maintain 
safety in the National Airspace System while we continue to work toward 
enacting a long-term reauthorization.
  Madam Speaker, I want to take just a moment to recognize one of our 
Subcommittee on Aviation staffers, Christopher Senn, who will be 
leaving the committee this week. I thank him for his service to our 
country, as a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, by the way, 
and for his work and assistance with the committee, especially when it 
comes to FAA matters.
  Madam Speaker, I urge support for this legislation, and I reserve the 
balance of my time.
  Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 
7454, which extends the authorization of the FAA and its related 
authorities for another 2 months.
  Back in the July, the House engaged in a thorough and collaborative 
process to pass the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American 
Aviation Act.
  This bipartisan bill, which passed by an overwhelming 351-69 vote, 
will protect the safety of the flying public and ensure the future of 
U.S. aviation.
  While I am pleased we are moving closer to passing a longer term 
bill, we will not be done before the current authorization expires on 
March 8. We need more time for negotiations between the House and 
Senate to reconcile the two bills and produce a final comprehensive 
bill.
  I want us to remember that Chair Graves and I will continue to fight 
for House priorities in the final bill to ensure that House Members' 
voices are heard while we address longstanding issues in our aviation 
system.
  Madam Speaker, I support the short-term FAA extension bill. I urge my 
colleagues to do the same, and I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the 
gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Graves), who is the chairman of the 
Subcommittee on Aviation.
  Mr. GRAVES of Louisiana. Madam Speaker, I want to add my voice of 
strong support to this legislation.
  There is no question what we have seen in the aviation industry, 
these near misses, these runway incursions, and safety issues all 
across the aviation system.
  As both Ranking Member Larsen and Chairman Graves noted, the House 
did its business. We came together on a bipartisan basis and passed 
legislation in July by a vote of 351-69. That legislation addresses 
everything from general aviation, a topic that I know our chairman 
cares much about and knows a lot about, to topics like new entrants and 
new aviation technologies. It focuses on safety, and it ensures, Madam 
Speaker, that this entire legislation focuses ultimately on the 
passenger experience, making sure that air travelers from all across 
the United States have a great experience with new technology whenever 
they enter the airports and whenever they enter the airplanes.
  None of those benefits are going to be realized unless and until we 
pass a long-term authorization bill. This is the last temporary 
extension we are going to do. This is a clean extension until May 10. 
If we don't do this, it will cause the Federal Government to incur 
debt, because we won't be able to collect the user fees that go along 
with aviation travel.
  It is absolutely critical that this clean, bipartisan extension be 
enacted. It is absolutely critical that we stay on track with 
bipartisan, bicameral negotiations on the FAA bill, now that the Senate 
has finally--and I commend them--passed this bill out of the Commerce, 
Science, and Transportation Committee in the United States Senate.

  I thank Chairman Graves for his leadership, Ranking Member Larsen and 
my friend   Steve Cohen for working together on this to make sure that 
we can continue a united front and realize all these gains in the 
aviation sector as a result of the House aviation bill.
  I also add my regret to the loss of Chris Senn to the Subcommittee on 
Aviation. He is overcredentialed, overeducated, and often awes us with 
his knowledge of drones and other technology. It is going to be a big 
loss to the committee, but I appreciate his service.
  Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Cohen), the ranking member of the 
Subcommittee on Aviation.
  Mr. COHEN. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of this extension of the 
FAA. We need to pass this reauthorization. To do so, we need a little 
more time. This will be the third extension we have asked for, and it 
is necessary to have this extension for 2 months to be able to 
reconcile the House and Senate bills.
  The Senate wasn't as expeditious as the House was in getting their 
bill

[[Page H758]]

passed, but they finally did and got it out of committee. We still have 
to reconcile some provisions.
  I think everybody has read about the near tragedies and near contacts 
of airplanes flying at airports. That is because the air traffic 
controllers need more help. They need more air traffic controllers. 
They need a more diverse group of folks that will give them more people 
to choose from and to be trained.
  We need to have more air traffic controllers, we need to pay them 
more money, and we need to have some improvements at airports and air 
traffic towers. That will only happen if we can get this FAA 
reauthorization bill passed.
  There are consumer issues that are important and are included in the 
bill and disability issues which are in the bill, and we just attended 
a press announcement where Secretary Buttigieg is implementing many of 
the mobility issues by executive order and rulemaking. The rulemaking 
is going to take place soon.
  There are a lot of improvements in air traffic and air safety, but 
without the reauthorization bill passing, they won't happen. We need to 
have this extension. It is unfortunate, but the Senate took a long 
time. We will work it out and get it done.
  I appreciate Ranking Member Larsen and Chairman Graves on the full 
committee and Chairman Garret Graves on the Subcommittee on Aviation.
  Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the 
gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Westerman), the chairman of the Natural 
Resources Committee,
  Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I thank Chairman Graves for yielding 
and for his leadership on the FAA reauthorization bill and on the full 
committee.

                              {time}  1245

  This summer, under the leadership of Chairman Sam Graves, Ranking 
Member Larsen, Aviation Subcommittee Chairman Garret Graves, and 
Subcommittee Ranking Member Cohen, the Transportation and 
Infrastructure Committee did our job. We crafted a strong and 
bipartisan reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration.
  It passed unanimously through committee and with overwhelming 
bipartisan support on this very floor. The Securing Growth and Robust 
Leadership in American Aviation Act is a comprehensive, commonsense 
bill that Members of this Chamber can be proud of. The historic 
legislation ensures that we continue to improve safety, encourage 
innovation, and ensure that the United States remains the gold standard 
in aviation.
  However, since its passage, as has been mentioned, 7 months ago, we 
have had to vote on two extensions for the FAA reauthorization, and now 
we are facing a vote on a third because of the Senate's inaction on 
this important legislation.
  Aviation safety impacts every single American, and each day that goes 
by without Senate passage and the President's signature, the enactment 
of key safety measures and improved framework for innovation is 
delayed.
  During the development of this bill, we all worked hard in good faith 
for good policy. I fought for safety provisions that will directly 
benefit the airports in my district in El Dorado, Hot Springs, 
Texarkana, and Mena, such as requiring that the FAA implement tower 
marking rules that protect the general aviation community, especially 
agricultural aircraft, and ensuring that planes going in and out of 
Mena Airport have stable radio communication.
  These are nonpartisan, good issues, and they are just an example of 
things all across the country.
  While it is unfortunate that we are faced with a third extension to 
provide ample time for this critical legislation to make it across the 
finish line, we must pass this additional extension. I urge my 
colleagues in the Senate to swiftly pass the FAA legislation and the 
President to sign it into law so the United States can continue its 
role as the global leader in aviation safety and innovation.
  With all this being said about how we can't get things done in the 
House, we have got something done in the House, and we just need our 
Senate partners and the White House to come along.
  Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Madam Speaker, I have no more speakers, and 
I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Self).
  Mr. SELF. Madam Speaker, I rise today to support the underlying bill 
that will keep our airports operational while we work to pass a full 
FAA authorization bill.
  However, I have major questions for the FAA, and I will be brief.
  The single worst terror attack in our history started at airports. 
Yet today, some of our largest airports, including Boston Logan, 
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta, and Chicago O'Hare are housing unvetted 
illegal aliens from around the world--potentially terrorists.
  Who would have thought this was a good idea?
  This reeks of danger.
  How can we be sure that none of these unvetted illegal aliens are not 
terrorists who intend to strike our airports or airliners?
  In some cases, they are being housed in terminals inside airports or 
in bus terminals just off active runways. If just one person were to 
smuggle a shoulder-fired weapon into one of these migrant holding 
areas, they would have an easy takedown of a jetliner.
  Using airports to shelter illegal immigrants is a major national 
security threat and an outrageous misuse of taxpayer funding. 
Therefore, as we pass the FAA extension and press on toward a full-term 
bill, I urge my colleagues to include a section that explicitly bans 
housing illegal immigrants within airport premises.
  Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my 
time.
  Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentleman from New York (Mr. D'Esposito).
  Mr. D'ESPOSITO. Madam Speaker, I am proud to support this legislation 
which will provide a short-term extension of the Federal Aviation 
Administration's authorities to May 10, allowing the Senate to finish 
work on their 5-year FAA reauthorization before finalizing language 
with the House.
  One of my major priorities is addressing the staffing shortages at 
the New York TRACON facility. This key and crucial facility directs 
planes in and out of the New York City and Long Island areas. This 
facility has been experiencing staffing issues for many years, which 
has led to many issues for the FAA, pilots, and, of course, passengers. 
These challenges led the FAA to implement a plan to transfer workers 
out of the N90 facility right in the heart of my district and ship them 
off to Philadelphia.
  I was proud to secure language in the House's H.R. 3935, the Securing 
Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act, to prevent any 
staff cuts or forced transfers from affecting the N90 TRACON 
facilities--again, in the heart of my district. I was also pleased to 
see language the Senate's FAA reauthorization also includes regarding 
this issue. This language would ensure that there is a third-party 
review on the need for, and the consequences of, a move from the N90 to 
any other facility.
  I look forward to working with leaders of these committees to ensure 
that these provisions are included in the final FAA reauthorization. 
Long Islanders should not be forced out of N90. I will continue to 
fight for these staffing protections. I will continue to fight for Long 
Island. I will continue to fight for the Empire State.
  Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I don't have any more 
speakers, and I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Madam Speaker, I encourage all colleagues 
to vote ``yes'' on this extension. We will get a bill by May 10, and we 
can all vote ``yes'' on that, as well.

  Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I urge, as well, all Members 
to support this bill. This is a must-pass bill so we can keep our 
aviation system operating safely. H.R. 7454 provides for a clean 
extension of FAA authorities. It does not include any policy riders.
  Failure to extend the FAA's authorities is going to cost the Federal 
Government more than $50 million a day in lost revenues.

[[Page H759]]

  A lapse in authorities would also prohibit the FAA from making new 
obligations from the aviation trust fund to fund the FAA's important 
safety, operational, and research functions. Enacting a long-term and 
comprehensive FAA bill is the goal of both the House and the Senate. I 
remain committed to doing just that so Congress can deliver certainty 
to the aviation industry and the FAA.
  Madam Speaker, I urge support for this bill, and I yield back the 
balance of my time.
  Mr. STANTON. Madam Speaker, I thank Chairman Graves and Ranking 
Member Larsen for putting this extension on the floor to give us more 
time to work towards a final FAA reauthorization.
  Aviation is a $32 billion industry in my home State of Arizona, and 
growing every day. Our airports are economic engines supporting 
thousands of jobs. A lapse in the FAA's authorization would be 
devastating, and today's short-term extension is necessary.
  But a long-term, 5-year extension--one that updates Federal policies 
to meet our current challenges--is essential to ensure the U.S. remains 
the gold standard in aviation safety.
  The House did our job--more than 6 months ago.
  On the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, we worked in a 
bipartisan way to craft a strong, forward-looking FAA reauthorization 
that improves aircraft and runway safety and invests in our aviation 
infrastructure and workforce--especially our air traffic controllers.
  Over the last year, there have been several near-miss incidents at 
Sky Harbor in Phoenix--one of the busiest airports in the world. I met 
with air traffic controllers there last week. They're over-worked and 
understaffed.
  And Phoenix-Mesa Gateway, one of the fastest-growing commercial 
airports in the country, just opened a brand-new $28 million terminal 
to keep up with passenger demand. But staffing shortages at their air 
traffic control tower have forced the airport to reduce operations at 
the tower by four hours each day.
  The House's FAA reauthorization improves recruitment and retention of 
controllers, and sets up a pilot program to convert towers staffed by 
private companies, like Gateway, to be staffed by FAA controllers.
  The bill we passed also takes meaningful steps--many I was proud to 
lead on--to improve the flying experience for passengers with 
disabilities.
  My ADAPT Act, WHEELChairs on Airplanes Act, and MOBILE Act were 
included in the House-passed bill, so that passengers with mobility 
issues can have proper accommodations . . . from boarding to seating 
and everything in between.
  Now I'm glad to see movement in the Senate on a companion 
reauthorization bill. I know I speak for many of my colleagues when I 
say we're eager to send a final FAA reauthorization to the President's 
desk as soon as possible. Our economy, and the safety of the flying 
public, depends on that.
  In the meantime, I encourage my colleagues to vote yes on a short-
term FAA extension through May 10th--hopefully our last.
  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of this bill, 
the Airport and Airway Extension Act of 2024.
  This bill would temporarily extend specific Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA) programs and activities through May 10, 2024.
  I have always been a firm believer in the importance of comprehensive 
transportation and infrastructure funding.
  As the proud representative of Texas' 18th District, I understand 
deeply the immense benefit that having a well-funded airport and airway 
system can bring to a city's economy.
  The George Bush Intercontinental Airport, one of the largest and 
busiest airports in the world, resides in my district in the greater 
Houston area.
  This airport alone has brought in over $14.1 billion in revenue to 
the State of Texas, representing over 20 percent of Texas' total 
international trade.
  At the national scale, a study conducted by Airports Council 
International found that America's airports account for more than 7 
percent of America's GDP.
  In addition, this revenue is only expected to grow, with a predicted 
compound annual growth rate of 8.76 percent from 2022 to 2028.
  Reauthorizing funding will allow for the continued maintenance and 
effective functioning of airports just like IAH across the country.
  The American people cannot afford a delay to this funding.
  This bill will also allow for resources to be directed properly, 
ensuring that airports are not forced to redirect resources away from 
safety due to a lack of funding.
  While we wait for our colleagues in the Senate to act on H.R. 3935, 
the ``Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act,'' 
this bill is a necessary extension of existing funding toward the 
aviation industry.
  The bill currently sitting in the Senate would provide a more 
comprehensive, long-term FAA reauthorization that updates outdated 
policies regarding aviation safety and efficiency.
  In the meantime, however, we must act now to ensure that FAA is 
getting the funding it needs to continue operations effectively.
  I urge my colleagues to vote in support of this bill.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Graves) that the House suspend the rules 
and pass the bill, H.R. 7454.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and 
nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further 
proceedings on this motion will be postponed.

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