The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee (T&I) is expected to resume its focus on FAAreauthorization quickly this month as the 114th Congress gets to work. Rep. Bill Shuster (R-Pa.) returns as chairman of T&I, which has jurisdiction over aviation matters. Joining him in the leadership will be Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.), who succeeds Nick Rahall (D-W.Va.) as the ranking Democrat. DeFazio has served on the committee since 1987 and has chaired or served as ranking member of four of its six subcommittees, including aviation.
NBAA praised both DeFazio and Shuster as staunch supporters of business aviation and members of the General Aviation Caucus. “They understand the importance of business aviation to the national economy and the need to update and strengthen our aviation infrastructure,” said NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen.
In addition to setting the leadership, the House Republicans have named 12 members who are expected to join the committee this month. These include Rep. Todd Rokita (R-Ind.), who has championed the third-class medical exemption effort.
Reauthorization hearings, which began in November, are expected to restart this month, with the next focusing on streamlining certification and consistency of standards.