Nearly seven months ago, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act, a strong and bipartisan reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration.
This historic legislation would ensure that we continue to improve aviation safety, encourage innovation, and guarantee the United States remains the gold standard in aviation. Since the House passed it last July, we’ve had to vote on three extensions for the FAA reauthorization because of the Senate’s inaction on this important legislation.
During the development of this bill, in my capacity as a member of the Subcommittee on Aviation, I fought for policies that would positively impact my district. I made sure that safety provisions were included that would directly benefit the El Dorado/Camden, Hot Springs, Texarkana, and Mena airports in Arkansas’ Fourth Congressional District. A few of the provisions include requiring the FAA to implement tower marking rules that will protect the General Aviation community, especially agricultural aircraft, and ensuring that planes going in and out of the Mena Airport have stable radio communication. These are nonpartisan issues that will increase aviation safety for all Arkansans and Americans nationwide, and this is a bill that all Members of Congress should be proud of.
Aviation safety impacts every 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. This week, I voted for a third extension of the previous authorization to allow the Senate and White House more time to enact this critical legislation. While it’s unfortunate that we faced a third extension, it was necessary. I will continue to urge my colleagues in the Senate to swiftly pass the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act and the President to sign it into law so that the United States remains a global leader in aviation safety and innovation.
