Unusually Talky Industry Really IS Grateful for Some Legislation for a Change
The Alliance for Aviation Across America joined in the chorus approving of the passage of the Federal Aviation Administration’s new reauthorization through the House of Representatives.
The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 (H.R. 3935) found “robust bipartisan support” with an 88-4 vote in the Senate, and a similarly positive vote in Congress at 387-26. President Biden is expected to sign the bill into law swiftly, given the level of support… and the fact that the current operational extension expires at week’s end. Overall, the General Aviation industry foments about $250 billion every year, supporting 1.2 million US jobs. While it may not be first in mind for the average citizen when they think of aviation, GA ops are the vital underpinnings of modern life. Cargo, medical relief, survey, patrol, and communications are all quite dependent on the ability to ferry people and material between hundreds of airports across the country.
Devin Osting, the interim executive director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America, said the industry really could not do without the bill. “This FAA reauthorization is critically important for general aviation and our national air transportation infrastructure. It includes vital investments in our local airports, increasing the authorization of the Airport Improvement Program from $3.4 billion to $4 billion annually, and promotes significant advancements in areas such as workforce development and advanced air mobility, which are essential for the future growth of industry.”
“We extend our gratitude to the committee leadership in both chambers, including House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chair Sam Graves (R-MO) and Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA), as well as Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation Chair Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Ranking Member Ted Cruz (R-TX), for coming together in bipartisan, bicameral compromise and their commitment to ensuring the stable and predictable continuation of essential programs for the aviation sector in the United States.”