US Senate debate on FAA legislation

The US Senate has begun debate on legislation to reauthorise the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Passage of an FAA reauthorisation bill, with additional revenues for airport improvements, would enable the aggregates industry to provide even more of the essential building materials for runways, taxiways and aprons.

The Senate will discuss the version of the FAA bill that passed the Senate Commerce Committee. This version will extend current law, aviation taxes and the expenditure authority of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund from their current expiration date of July 15 2016, to September 30 2017.

This bill does not restructure the air traffic control system, unlike an earlier House bill which is now shelved, and the Senate is unlikely to add such provisions via floor amendment. If the Senate passes the bill as amended, it will go back to the House for approval before it can be sent to the President for signature. Aviation security amendments are also expected in reaction to the Brussels bombing.

“We are pleased the Senate is moving forward and are grateful for the increase in airport improvement funding,” said Pam Whitted, NSSGA’s senior vice president of regulatory and government affairs. “However, it is disappointing that the bill, for all intents and purposes, is a 19-month extension and the next Congress will have to deal with this issue again.”

Adapted from press release by Rebecca Bowden

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/the-americas/12042016/us-senate-debate-on-faa-legislation-870/