Joint statement on the passage of H.R. 6503, the Airport and Airway Extension Act of 2023, Part II, by Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO), Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA), Aviation Subcommittee Chairman Garret Graves (R-LA), and Aviation Subcommittee Ranking Member Steve Cohen (D-TN):
“We remain committed to enacting a comprehensive, long-term FAA reauthorization bill as soon as possible. Such a bill is vital to ensuring the United States continues its global leadership in aviation and remains the gold standard in aviation safety. Our long-term bipartisan bill, the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act, passed the House by a wide margin nearly five months ago, but the Senate has yet to act on our bill or a bill of their own. Because of the Senate’s inaction, today’s extension is necessary to ensure the continued safe operation of our aviation system. But make no mistake – the Senate must promptly act on a long-term bill, as a series of short-term extensions hamstrings FAA operations, maintains outdated policies, and fails to provide critical policy updates for aviation safety, efficiency, innovation, and more.”
H.R. 6503 is a clean extension of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) authorities through March 8, 2024, in the absence of Congress enacting a long-term FAA reauthorization bill by December 31, 2023.
The House’s long-term FAA reauthorization bill, the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act (H.R. 3935), was approved by the House on July 20, 2023, by a vote of 351 to 69.
Read More: T&I Leaders’ Statement on House Passage of FAA Extension