[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 3]
[Senate]
[Page 3886]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        FAA REAUTHORIZATION BILL

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, the chairman of the Commerce Committee, 
Senator Thune, says that keeping Americans safe from future attacks is 
a top priority. He is right, of course. From Brussels to Egypt, events 
around the world underscore the need for stronger security measures for 
our Nation's air traffic.
  That is why I was glad when large bipartisan majorities voted last 
week to advance the FAA Reauthorization Act and then to strengthen it 
further with the most comprehensive airline security reforms in years.
  We appreciate Senator Thune's work with the Aviation Subcommittee 
chair, Senator Ayotte, as well as Senators Nelson and Cantwell, to move 
an amendment designed to keep passengers safer and to help deter 
terrorism in airports on U.S. soil. The amendment will help shore up 
security measures for international flights coming into the United 
States as well as improve vetting and inspections of airport employees.
  I would also like to recognize Senator Heinrich for his work to 
include provisions that will increase security measures in prescreening 
airport zones and expand preparation for active shooter events.
  This FAA reauthorization legislation will do more for security than 
any other in years. It will do more for passengers than any other in 
years as well.
  Don't take my word for it. A consumer columnist for the Washington 
Post labeled it ``one of the most passenger-friendly Federal Aviation 
Administration reauthorization bills in a generation.'' It includes a 
number of consumer-friendly provisions, like fee disclosures and 
refunds for lost bags or services paid for but not received, and does 
so without imposing choice-limiting regulations or fees and taxes on 
airline passengers.
  This is a good bill and a good example of what can get accomplished 
with a Senate that is back to work. It would help keep Americans safe, 
both in our airports and in the skies. It has enjoyed support from both 
sides of the aisle.
  If Members have additional ideas they think might strengthen the bill 
further, I would again encourage them to work with the bill managers so 
we can continue moving forward.

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