[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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